shogeri

Kicks are great for follow up or follow through. So are knees and elbows, and strike-downs. With kicks though, perhaps not the high ones, but below the waist or toward the knees or ankles. A feint or fake, or perhaps rely upon their momentum, their intent, etc., might be good starters rather than using the legs. A fake sweep perhaps. Draw their hands, feet, body, eyes, or mind away from what you are about to do. If you don't have a target, make one. Just putting out some loose thoughts!!! Later!

Dim Mak, is based upon the striking arts. Sadly, the term has been so abused, it's best to simply avoid using it. The Martial Arts are not about being touchy feely. We do not always have the luxury of going slow or even being specific. Qi aside, beneath each pressure point region is a bundle of nerves and fibers. The reason that pressure point 'massage' works better than needles is that with needles, it is too easy to miss the mark, especially if you are not trained in using pressure points. Some points require more precision than others. Some require more striking force. That is why sometimes when you rub a 'spot', it sends tingling feelings or perhaps makes you want to hurl cookies or shoots pain somewhere. I agree that qi is more than just bio-electricity. I have posted much information on this site, as have others. But regardless, for the maximum results striking to points must be integrated in the system of fighting itself, and not seen as just an alternative or better way of doing something. With regards to Dillman: It's called the Dillman Method for reason. The reason being it's his own way of doing something that has been around for ages. It helps pay his bills as well. The way he does things isn't quite the same as it's done in the Chinese Internal Arts. But hey, not everyone's is. We are different, and have something to contribute I reckon. Well take care!

I am not sure what the syllabus is in regards to the ASA, but I will give some pointers from both my own, and that of the USJJF. The (united states jujitsu federation) USJJF standard syllabus (guideline for training) is thus: Ukemi - falls Ate waza - striking (elbows, heel palm, reverse punches, etc) Uke waza - blocking and evading Nage waza - throwing and sweeping Geri waza - kicking (knees, low kicks, back kicks, front kick, etc) Kansetsu waza - locking (arm, neck and leg locks) Atemi waza - vital points Osae waza - holding and submission (standing and ground) Kumite waza - prearranged and free sparring Tai Sabaki - movement and positioning Goshinjutsu - self defense Randori - dynamic application of technique and skill As we all know, Jujutsu is a traditional art, so expect it to be some time before your skillset (in regards to defense and fighting) begins to truly blossom. Because I integrate this into what I teach as well, I would say that jujutsu taken by itself will give you the essential skills in which to defend yourself in most situations. You will learn how to respond to situations with your hands, feet, elbows, knees, sweeps, throws, locks, and submissions, to name a few. With the focus being on throws, locks and submissions, in that order and increasing in difficulty as time goes on. If you were to also learn Roman Greco wrestling, along with western boxing at some point later, then certainly this too would be beneficial. At the very least from this type of cross training, you will gain valuable insight as to the malleability (adaptability) of jujitsu/jujutsu. At this point, you would know what the average person knows (or might attempt) when engaged in a physical confrontation, since people tend to either try to box or wrestle their way out of a conflict. True japanese jujutsu incorporates ground fighting, as seen in BJJ. However, not every teacher instructs on such, but those that do are on average above the 3rd dan. Before that they are still working on perfecting their own Nage and Kansetsu, along with Osae techniques (waza). However their goshinjutsu should be quite efficient, along with their grasp on the basic, intermediate, and advanced jujitsu skills and principles of fighting and self-defense. I would say that it is not as hard as aikido, and certainly does not have the same philosophy. Good luck in your search, and perhaps other's will give you just as good if not better advice than I.

It's the day that the bills come do, that I would love to miss, but most importantly to never see again...LOL But in regards to training...Sometimes it's good to take a break, and sometimes you make the best of when the time is given or taken from you. Later!

There have been many great replies on this subject. The article was very insightful! Great Job! To me, as a Christian, and a Minister, I realize that channeling spirits in reiki, and practicing buddhist rituals (or taoist, shinto, hindu, etc) are one thing, and understanding your body in a different way, other than with western methods, quite another. The Martials Arts are physical. They are about our flesh, and those experiences related to protecting those within us, and around us. The Martial Arts are esoteric. They are about pugilism. There is no escaping this. Just because Joe Bob uses his gun to hurt other's and himself, doesn't mean I need to use mine in the same way. That is, the knowledge that is bestowed upon us (either through our own efforts or divine ~ depending on how you view life), is precious, and it is up to the individual to discern, to understand, and to utilize such knowledge to the best of their capacity. It's not the knowledge that is bad. It is how it is used, how much credence it is given over the Truth we know as Christians (for those of us on this forum that are), and whether the resulting effect of applying such knowledge turns out to be good, bad, or somewhere in between. There is anti-christian or wrong with how we understand or approach our physiology. Quite often, it has been the brainwashing efforts of the modern world (medical and scientific) throughout the centuries, that is in all reality ~ the beast we should be aware of. As a global community, we need to understand and realize, and utilize the natural ways in which to help fight disease, hunger, pain, and so on. Healing in the Bible didn't necessarily mean medical healing. It was often a sign of something more. Today's modern doctors do not heal. They do not cure. They merely provide temporary fixes to the physical state of our bodies. They certainly remove all of body parts or growths, but are never truly able to get at the source. In my personal view, only God can do such. Other opinions might vary. Such as through rare occasions, the body and the mind can work toward repairing itself, either quickly, or over a long period of time, without intervention from any type of doctor whether they be from an eastern or western background. The drug world we have swirling around us, is absolute chaos. And certainly not what our bodies are designed to digest. They have their good uses, but quite often with side effects (mild or severe)... To me, the side effects of drugs represent the concept that drugs are foreign to us. They may have been here since day one, in the form of vegetation, but still, they are not of our body. Qi is nothing more than a way of looking at how things work within our body. When we begin to go outside of our body, and use that same concept (of energy) to explain things, without truly understanding what we are trying to explain, then of course that is when things often get messed up. The history of modern medicine has in many ways been just a brutal as the pugilistic manner in which many middle eastern and asian countries have evolved over time. Adam and Eve were not placed into America, and given a personal physician, along with a psychologist, and a CVS (Eckerd) Pharmacy. They took care of themselves naturally, or in a manner that they knew how to. Peope without money needed ways to prevent getting sick, since they couldn't always show up at healer's dwelling and pay for services. This may have been especially true in countries such as Asia. Money talks, and over time, the modern medical industry has become a true beast, separate from both man and God. In other words, there are many ways to view life, medicine, and our pursuit for health, wealth, love, balance in life, and justice. Everything evolves, adapts or changes. If it does not, then typically it will not survive. Quite frankly, as Christians, we give credit to God for all things on this earth, and in this universe. Including the knowledge that drives us know Martial Arts, to know our bodies, to explore our brain. Colossians 2:7-9 (King James Version) "7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." So long as we do not put this knowledge, or the act of receiving or studying it, before God, that is the most important thing as Christians. Take care, and train smart!

Congrats!

Dillman is NOT the expert in this case. LOL He is a spokes person for all martial artists to make use of kata in a different manner. That is his purpose. He is NO pressure point fighting expert. If I struck you on the temple, followed by several other key places on the brain and body, rapidly and in an EXPLOSIVE way, then you would go down. But anyone can do this. It is not about FAITH. It is about applying the correct amount of explosive striking power to the correct region of the body. If a person doesn't want to be knocked out, then typically, regardless of qi, they will not be. Qi is real. It is simply energy. Pressure points are real, but in terms of western practice, they are still misunderstood. One doesn't softly strike a point. One doesn't hit a point with minimum power. One builds up their own internal power, and is relaxed, so that the arm muscles do not stop the whole body from striking those points.

I realize that many systems, or methods of fighting employ the same basic principles or concepts. It's just the instructors interpretation, and or their own use of terminology that makes things different. When I speak of Martial Arts, I do mean to include those weapons appropriate for the time, and place in which they need to be used. The Martial Arts are allowed to evolve. They need to evolve. Art is the interchange between expression to interpretation. At least, as a writer, I see things that way. I enjoy using the term 'Art' because I am able to express my skills and my training, philosophy, and my ability, while other's are able to interpret such based upon those same charactertistics. I believe that we should 'turn out' people who can fight, and do so in a manner befitting all involved. However, if this makes me a non-traditional, then so be it. Now if the system is internal, then certainly it will take time to bring out those internal skills or abilities. My Taijiquan practice is not about developing internal power in the shortest amount of time. However, the Hao Chuan, or Chinese Boxing concepts, as used in Taijiquan, can be implemented in a manner similar to that of the external arts. So far as the external arts are concerned, we can indeed formulate training methods to go along with the traditional ones that will enable us to give people what they either desire or need in terms of fighting skills. The skill training used in sport does in fact excel in comparison to the traditional arts. But the good part is that it doesn't have to be that way. Sport combat is Martial Art. It is its own branch. With its own ways of doing things, for it's own reasons. You can cultivate a person in sport, just as you would in the traditional Martial Arts. Now the term Martial Art, for today's use is still directly tied to pugilism. However, realize that we are straying away from the use of traditional weaponry, and we are straying away from teaching large scale warfare. We are however, training for personal war or personal/physical conflict. As modern Martial Artists, we are the social class of warriors. There are also traditional warriors we send out to fight on our behalf, and those we call soldiers. They are trained in the classical methods of warfare. We on the other hand, have our own. Perhaps because there is no urgent need to pass on the skill of fighting or combat, is one reason that it takes so long in traditional Martial Arts to actually build or receive the necessary knowledge in which to formulate your own abilities or skillset. Personally, as a child, I desired to learn how to be combative, and do so quickly, since I was always on the receiving end of abuse. Elbow & Knees, your definition of a fighter, and mine may be slightly different. Rather I think we are using it differently. I classify a fighter, as one with no formal training whatsoever. Thus, when I say fighter, I mean street fighter. This classification in no way, should imply that I am taking away from whatever skillset or abilities that they may have. When I speak of sport combat competitors, or combative fighters, I will usually direct the reader or listener toward such by using those words. These types of fighters are trained fighters. Such as Muay Thai fighters, boxers, wrestlers, and so on. So if there is any miscommunication on my behalf, that's my bad, as I am still working on this particular skill. That is yet another reason I started this thread. There were many. I implement knees, and elbows into my system, as well as western boxing principles. So in some ways, you could say I implement my own form of Muay Thai. I also have my own way of Jujutsu, Kungu Fu, and Karate. To me they are all the same, just different ways of getting there. When done properly that is... It is semantics that sometimes get's in the way of people's perceptions, and or capacity to understand what is or isn't being said. I believe that many of us are continuing to say many of the the same conecepts, just in our own way. Those are my thoughts for the moment! Take care!

I am not saying to 'fall asleep'. Meditation is what you make it to be. If enlightenment kicks of some answers to the world problems, then perhaps the meditation helped them reach into a part of their consciousness that wasn't reachable in the first place without time and practice. Some use it to just ponder, but that is just short-selling it's true potential. As a Christian I walk the line in many things. I use meditation to either A.) Ponder B.) Relax and bring my body back into balance. This form of meditation is Qigong, and or Taijiquan Form. I do not go further and attempt to reach any form of enlightenment. I have God and the Holy Spirit for such things. Sometimes I just let things take care of themselves.

Actually no eastern thought either...We can come close however. Qi is not just bioelectricity. You may want to read the other post I made about qi on 'Ki - I have a theory.'... These two thread kind of overlap.

Consider Qi to not just be 'energy', rather consider it to be a 'sum of energy processes' that generally move with the flow of blood, and various other bodily fluids or chemical processes. This is done under the auspicious guidance of neural control compounded with a higher level of sensory perception or awareness. Humans at the base level are composed of: Atoms - Bonding - Water - Solutions - Acidity - Organic molecules - Carbohydrates - Lipids - Proteins - Nucleic Acids -- and so on. From there we get into the various processes of work that sustains us, such as; Osmosis - Facilitated Diffusion - Active Transport Endocytosis - Exocytosis - Epithelial Transport Gland Production - Protein Synthesis - Cell Division and Cell Cycle Enzymes and Chemical Reactions Metabolic Pathways, which include Glycolysis, and the Krebs cycle. Carbohydrate Synthesis Fat Metabolism Fat Catabolism - Protein and Amino Acid Synthesis The above processes are all related to qi. That is the metabolic absorption, use, transfer, and discard of energy based compounds. ------------------------------- Homeostatic Control Systems include our reflex to stimuli, chemical messenging, and local homeostatic responses. Qi is also related to this process as well, which includes our Neural Control Mechanisms, Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators. The central nervous system is heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine in regards to regulating the qi process. The CNS includes; the Spinal Cord, and the Brain (especially the brainstem). We know that the Peripheral Nervous System is where the signals are carried out to the 31 pairs of spinal nerves. The Somatic Nervous System is related to the control of the skeletal muscular system. In short, Motor functions. The relationship of Qi with our ability to cultivate it, or become more aware and use it, rests within our understanding of the Autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS innervates smooth and cardiac muscles. Parallel chains, each with two neurons, connect the CNS and effector cells. The synapse between these two neurons is called the autonomic ganglion, which are nerve fibers between the CNS. The ANS is then divided further into sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and relax) components. Sympathetic ganglia lie close to the spinal cord while parasympathetic ganglia lie close to the organs. The sympathetic system is arranged to act as a single unit while parasympathetic system is arranged such that the parts can act independently. Sympathetic system is involved in responses to stress. Many organs and glands receive dual innervation from both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers. The two systems generally have opposite effects and work together to regulate a response. Most autonomic responses usually occur without conscious control but this doesn't imply that such has not been known to occur. At the lower level of exercise our bodies need the Somatic Nervous System. However, it is tied to the Peripheral Nervous System, and while we exercise and thereafter, our body then has the information, and the energy in which to do work. Such as releasing or producing hormones, transferring enzymes, increasing blood flow, which carries many things with it, such as glucose, and so on. That is respond to the movement of our body, of which include the ANS. Which is all part of the Central Nervous System. Those practitioners with diabetes have shown a decrease in the symptoms over a long period of time of doing the Taijiquan form. Perhaps this is why the practice of the Taijiquan form has within, the basic understanding of such processes, since it is closely tied to proper body mechanics (certain spinal and muscular movements which are tied into brain stem functions), the CNS, blood flow, and so on. Acupressure is closely tied the to CNS, and each point is located around a bundle of nerves and fibers. Many of the primary points are located near the brain stem, and along the spine. ------------------ The Sensory Systems A sensory system is a another part of the nervous system consisting of sensory receptors that receive stimuli from internal and external environment, neural pathways that conduct this information to brain and parts of brain that processes this information. The information is called sensory information and it may or may not lead to conscious awareness. If it does, it can be called sensation. ------------------ Basically what ties all of this together are the energy processes behind each action. But is this qi. No. Not exactly. Qi isn't necessarily something that can be reduced into something and then analyzed from a reductionistic or empirical standpoint. Albeit many have tried in the past. Quite simply, when we say we move qi, we are taking our ability to sense some process or processes in our body, and then using our conscious to guide Qi (the collection of energy processes). Are we manipulating matter or converting energy? No. We are consciously inviting ourselves into the neurological processes that our body is already doing. By cultivating we become both more aware of the movement of qi, and we work toward furthering the balance within our body. This is all tied closely to our body's natural reflex to fix itself, to attempt to balance what is imbalanced. The brain reflexively or inherently does this on a particular level of brain activity while we sleep. It also does it after we get hurt, or when something doesn't function as it should. As many have noted in the past, Qi activity is closely related to the Central Nervous System. Qi activity is also closely related to the oxygen supply, digestive process, blood transport of glucose, muscular and skeletal movement, and so on. ----------------- Though I may not have given an answer, hopefully I put something out there that further helps to explain qi, or the movement of qi. Rather, the processes that involve qi.

I am biased for japanese jujutsu since that is what I know as it blends well with my striking system. Eventually, if it happened, I would go to the ground. But I feel that BJJ is best for those situations where you are guaranteed one on one. Japanese jujutsu, like aikido is based around many opponents. However all of these systems are dynamic, and evolving, and are adaptable to the individual and various situations. The point is to do something and make it work for you.

aikido!!!

These are still some great thoughts, keep posting! In Goju Ryu, we trained in elbows and knees and joint locks, strike downs, takedowns, and spinning backkicks and so on. Though we didn't do the high roundhouse with the shin, we still did them to the back of the knees. In Taijiquan we lead, follow, stick to, listen, and then break through the center, using principles found in jujutsu, aikido, wing chun, hao chuan, and so on. I now implement more elbows and knees, and more takedowns, and more strike downs. Essentially, what I do now is train to move from striking position to a more aggressive grappling one. Most of us train or have beened trained to go up against the average joe, and or someone of equal technical ability. Of course this trend is not always the best thing to do. It is not whether a style (or method of fighting or sport) is combative or non-combative. It is whether it can be made to be in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of effort. The easier this process is, the closer it was to being Martial or combative in the first place. Other than some historical discrepancies, and or some philosophical differences or approaches, most of us here are striving for, and or demonstrating that we understand what the Martial Arts are about. The Martial Arts begin with theory. They apply such theory (or are suppose to). The application of the Martial Arts is inherently combative. It is not about violence. The application of such Martial Art, can be made into a sport, based up the theory and application of conflict, and or pugilism. That is, people like to demonstrate and or watch these displays of strength, endurance, skill, and sometimes, luck. When a style is created it represents the strengths, weaknesses, philosophy, goal, and or direction of the person(s) who created it. People like to do whatever works best for their own needs, wants or desires. We are human beings, prone to having fallacies. We are also very adaptive, and or dynamic. To me fighters ~ fight, whereas Martial Artists are prepared for(or are supposed to be), and wage ~ war. Just thought I would throw in a few more words...

I agree with many of the positive posts above. Over 25 years, I have trained in Goju Ryu, Shotokan, and TKD ~ to name a few. At some point they overlap, but in regards to certain philosophies regarding principles, they don't. At their core, they are combative. That is they are based upon pugilism. Kyokushin practitioners should not allow other's to erode their art form. They do this by practicing it as it should be practiced, and promoting it to others in a manner that does it honor and justice.

Firstly, hands on with qualified instructor comes first. Then comes video training, followed by book training. The key things to remember about kata, is that there are indeed hidden techniques. But in reality, these are just one person's understanding of what could be going on. Opinions and application of technique will vary. For the most part, I follow with these thoughts, which are my own: "The secret to kata, is that are no secrets. Just an interpretation of what is possible given the particular scenario. Kata are blueprints. However, it is up to the builder to truly bring the kata to life, and make it real. It is both an art and science. Just as architecture is considered the same in many ways. There are endless ways in which to say that a technique is being used. However, based upon the situation, only then will a person know how viable a particular technique will be. That is, will it indeed hold up against a wide range of scrutiny and real life application. In my view, in regards to many karate forms, If there were secrets, they are lost. Or perhaps not yet to be revealed. I teach things to family and friends, that I don't to strangers." There are some things I teach to adults that I do not to children. I also gauge a person's reasons for wanting to know something, and then train from that point. Does this mean that there are secrets? Not really, just things that not fully explained, or expanded upon, as the door is always open, for a true fight is alive, and not static. Though I do not follow the premise of the Dillman Method, I do support the man's idea that many things can be done with kata that are typically not taught in today's market. Thusly, his video training series, or seminars might be worth looking into. I would also look up https://www.flowingcombat.com, and reach the instructor there. They may know someone who could help you as well. You might also try, Shuai-Chiao Vol. 1-4 By Professor Chi-hsiu D. Weng Ph.D. ----------------- I agree that videos and books are just additional resources, and that without an understanding of what you are already doing, it will remain a daunting task to truly explore these concepts without a trained person helping you out. Before you start any new type of strenuous joint based exercises, it's best to check with your physician, and heed their advice. Good luck in your journey!

Only if I had no choice (was trapped), or was defending the life of someone who could not do so for their own sake. In reality the above is my general approach to physical confrontation or conflict. The stakes go up when weapons are involved. Other than that I would use: D.C.R. Duck, Cringe, and Run Technique. LOL

I am deeply honored, humbled, and grateful to receive such recognition. My thanks to those who have also contributed as equally or greater, or with greater insight than I. My continued respect also goes out to those who are just starting in the Martial Arts and within this online community as well. May each of you who read this, receive all that you need in order to better your self as a person, and as a Martial Artist, Karateka, Judoka, Fighter, and so on. My hats off to those who run this forum. Especially Patrick, for I realize how difficult it is to have a life, and keep up an online community and or presence. Again, thanks for the honor, as it is deeply appreciated!

"Train the body, and the mind will follow." Just remember what the crux, or the core of what Martial Arts are about. In old times, Black Belts were handed, based up the Master or Head Instructor, 'knowing' that the student was ready. I agree that there are many ways in which to handle special needs. Think of how they live as part of their own individual culture. That is, focus away from the concepts that might be restrictive to their training; such as handicap, disability or challenged, and turn the training more toward those things that you know they are capable of. In my system, it's about principles first ~ techniques second. If they can defend themselves dynamically, and in a flowing manner, and have the proper attitude, and focus, then they would have want it takes to be a black belt. Those are just a few brief thoughts...

Though I stopped competing, in oklahoma they are mediocre and or just plain sad examples of tournaments.

That's at least a start in the right direction!

In regards to qi: Believing that it exists is not half as important as the journey toward understanding how it works within you. No western methodology will suffice in measuring qi.

I agree...Avoid contracts, or pay-up-front schools. If you are paying between $25 and $65 a month. That is somewhat reasonable.

There is nothing like a groin kick. Those are some good thoughts...Certainly I see where you are coming from, and I understand much of what you're saying in this regard. The best thing to do is to not train your student(s) to go to tournaments, and or hold your own some how. I use many take downs and knees and elbows...There isn't much of that either...

I am 5'6 and 150 lbs. The Martial Arts are about cultivating the physical aspects of what you're doing into whatever you may be doing outside of the art itself. It is not about strength, or being the best you can be physically. You balance your efforts between the right mental training, along with the physical training that best suits you. The Martial Arts are about learning how to fight, when to fight, what it takes to be a good fighter, who to fight, and so on. This (combat or fighting skill) is the most important aspect of Martial Art training, but it is not the only one. The typical after effect or complimentary effect is that you get into physical and mental shape in a manner not similar to aerobics, running, swimming, or weightlifting. You train your mind and your emotions. You learn to adapt to many different situations. You learn how to use your hands, feet, arms, and mind in combat, while understanding the best way to resolve conflict is with your mind. You train your mind to be relaxed and prepared. That is, it doesn't just react, it is proactive. But, it does so just as quickly as it would reactively. We train our bodies to be reactive to a given stimulia. We build on skill, strategy, tactics, physical endurance, strength, as we move toward healing ourselves, and balancing ourselves psychologically, and physiologically. What the mind forgets, the body remembers. The body tends to take over in a physical situation. That is, during a fight, many people turn to being 90 percent physical, and 10 percent mental. Some people say that they draw a blank, or do not recall exactly what happened during a conflict. However, with proper training this could be avoided, as complete control should neither sway toward the mind or the body. Just some extra thoughts...Later!