Jiffy

Two reasons..... Ego and Income. That's the main two reasons instructors are closed minded towards cross training.

Both gojushorei and elbows_and_knees raise good points. Simply put, regardless of what the technique is, go with what is most likely to work first, then keep what is less likely to work as your backup plan.

Absoloutly. Punch: –noun 1. a thrusting blow, esp. with the fist. 2. forcefulness, effectiveness, or pungency in content or appeal; power; zest: a letter to voters that needs more punch. –verb (used with object) 3. to give a sharp thrust or blow to, esp. with the fist. As per the above description from the dictionary, a punch is about force. If there is no force, it is not a punch. Tapping something with a closed palm does not constitute a punch.

That depends on your definition of a Martial Artist. If you believe that a good Martial Artist is nothing more than a good fighter, then you are correct. If you think (like me) that being a good Martial Artist is also about being humble and respectful, then it's not the case. As above. That depends on your definition of a Martial Artist. Just because these people were great warriors and great soldiers does not make them good Martial Artists (by my definition). It's got nothing to do with "Waking Up". It's got to do with definition. If you believe that a Martial Artist is nothing more than a fighter, then great, hooray for you, but don't be deluded into thinking that most people here share your views. That doesn't mean your views are wrong, it just means that your views are just that.

Many people have told me before of school that don't like you cross training. I too have come across these myself, but not for a long time and not uppon looking for a school. For the first time, I've just had someone tell me that they would not be interested in teaching me because I train in other styles. Unfortunately, this was the only Aikido school left in my area that suited my schedule. Time to look for another style....

I have, they're called "Students".... MWAHAHAHA

Oh Boy. This could get interesting......

I agree completely and this is a topic that has come up many times before. The style can only be best for YOU. There is no best style.

Yes indeed you are correct, but with that many guys, it doesn't make a difference. I've personally seen someone have a gooseneck lock put on them and then have them lift the 90kg bouncer on the lock. I've seen a guy keep fighting after someone has implanted a torque wrench in the back of his head. I personally have dropped a guy after being stabbed in the chest with a pen. When the mind goes into self-preservation mode it's sole purpose is to ignore pain and continue on in order to survive. It doesn't matter how good your locks are, there are some situations they simply will not work. Unfortunately, drugs can falsely place the mind in this state and can therefore render some techniques completely useless. I've been there and done it. I'm not talking from speculation, but from personal experience of having used them in the street. BTW - at the time of the girl (before most of the above mentioned stuff) I had a couple of years grappling experience and 12 years Martial Arts experience in general. I'm not sure about the other guys though, but they were huge compared to me.

The best way to do it would be to find a large group of people with similar physical and mental abilities. Make sure none of them have any Martial training or anything the closely relates to it. Then send them of in groups to get training in the various arts (at least 5 per art) and monitor their progress. Compare it periodically to when they started.

Yeah, that's also a good point. Maybe a balance between the two is a good thing.

Martial Arts are of course about fighting, but, Martial Arts are commonly used as a vehicle to promote traditional values. I think this is a great thing and should be considered essential, but I understand that some do not agree.

I got the box set too. It's great.

Yeah, that is a classis. As if to say, fancy rubish will get you nowhere.

Welcome to KF! As far as eating goes, the guys above pretty much have it summed. Pace yourself on the day. Remember the idea is to test you, not break you.

I believe it's absoloutly crucial. The best way to train is to get in and fight for real. As this is not always a safe or realistic option, the second best is visualisation.

Meditation is a process of realisation. For some, it's the key to happiness, for others, it's virtually useless. It all depends on your outlook on life and your current situation. More to the point.... what do YOU think?

Good luck with them. Sounds good.

I hate to admit it, but I'm a big fan of the Karate Kid series. As he says in KKII, if nothing is going right, return to basics. Start with breathing. Then work on each technique slowly. Then build them into combos. Then make them effective. One step at a time.

Sliknik, how old are you?? Can you give us any more info?

I go to one of these every year. It is done on an old military fort. We start on the friday and go till the sunday. This is the thing I look forward to most in the whole year!!! Here's some pics.... http://users.esc.net.au/~aacd/photos.htm (scroll down to "Portsea Camp") I love it!!

While I don't think they are used as much as in styles such as Muai-Thai, they are certainly used. They are called Hiza-Geri

I wouldn't say it annoys me, I too say each to their own, but I do think that more than three badges looks a little tacky. It really depends on the style. For our school, each student wears our club badge plus the badge of the style they train in on a plain Gi. In some BJJ schools though, they use large badges on the arm, leg and back.

I happen to agree that a flying kick as a first move isn't such a bad idea if you are confident they are not confident to block it, it can really put them off right from the get go. As I don't like jump kicks personally, I use the same principle sometimes, but just with a loud "Kiai" and a heavy hand strike.

I find it hard to belive that if someone wants to fight they would motorbike charge you rather than just confronting you instead(unless they're insane ). plus if you kick someone off a horse or moving object, that could snap you leg, throw you off balance and make you land very dangrously(like on your head, neck or arm). That's his whole point. He was saying that in today's society, they are not useful because no-one would charge you from a bike or horse.