Jiffy

That's a really good point. The rules of physics, particularly leverage dictate that while a longer weapon will have a greater force, it will also take longer to slow down. Thus, if you can evade it, you have more time to get in and attack. Smart thinking 99

I also agree that Shodan Ho should not be used as a probationary rank. If there are some requirements that need to be met for a full black belt, why not just get them to wait till they have satisfied those requirements? For us, as is traditional in our lineage, Shodan Ho is a junior rank. It is a black belt for those under 16. It is done to signify that while they have reached a certainly level, they will need to re-grade to a Senior Black Belt as an adult and show a greater theoretical understanding that is not possible to expect of a Junior.

I guess it depends on the situation. See, where we are now, it's kept clean, but a previous dojo we had, the floor was always covered in staples, dust and various other bits and pieces, so it was the students responsibility to make sure it was safe to train. It showed them respect and empowered them with responsibility too.

Finger locks are definately the easiest and one of the most effective to apply..... if you can get hold of one. When their hands are clenched tight, this is sometimes quite difficult. Gotta watch you don't get a little over-active in class too. Fingers break easily.

Having said that, I would definately watch it again!!

The XMA one I saw covered that sort of stuff too.

How do you know he retiring?

I watched these last night. Absoloutly fantastic!

The other thing is onlookers. You may not intend to offend the person you are speaking to/about, but people who over-hear it may get offended.

That self defence/pads class sounds like a good idea. A little more relaxed on the traditional side, but a good workout. I wouldn't want to do it all the time, but for something different, would be great!!

Last night, I was sorting through the software I use to manage my dojo. In there, it has a whole load of letter templates. Anyway, I found a couple in there that are made for when people leave the school. They were really good. If I remember, I'll paste them in here some time... Alternatively, you might be able to find them on the website.... maybe..... https://www.martialartsorganizer.com

When it comes to suppliments, I'm always dubious. I think that while a lot of people do use them properly, there are even more than don't know what they are doing. Just make sure you fully research it and use the suppliments in the doses that will give you the benefits you require.

Okay, a little far away yet I guess.... hehehe. Hey, I was talking with my partner about this thread the other day, and I have a question..... why do you call it "4th of July"? If I understand correctly, it's your independence day, but you don't call that. On the other hand you don't call Christmas "25th December". Why is that??

I don't think conditioning would come into it in a court, but it is possible you may find yourself with an assult charge due to excessive force. All speculation though.

Don't look like a try hard. Just fit in. Track pants or shorts with a tank top should do just fine.

That's some fantastic advice. Get the body position right and the rest will come!

Actually, come to think of it, that first one is even more interesting. I'm going to have to try that one too. RichardGregory, I'm interested to see what other Bunkai you have in mind. You seem to have some great ideas. Perhaps you could post some more of even PM me with some discussion. Interested to chat more.

That last one I hadn't come across before, I might give that a go in class tonight...

In what regard? Please clarify.

Actually, I just relised I have the PERFECT picture as an example. Okay, so the kick is Udi-Mawashi Geri, but it does illustrate a couple of points in this thread. 1) you can see that as Ray thought a low Mae Geri was coming, he tried to deflect it with a double downward block, thus opening his head for my kick. (this was taken during full speed kumite) 2) see the rotation of the foot. (BTW - I know I'm leaning over too far.... it's not on purpose, it's a mistake) http://users.esc.net.au/~aacd/images/photos/shawn_high_kick.jpg

Yep, sound very much the same. I love doing the same thing. I tend to do it more often with the Mawashi Geri.... eg. bring it up to the front, they block what they think will be a Chudan Mae Geri with a Gedan Berai, hence leaving the head open for my Mawahi Geri Jodan that's coming their way. Not as much fun on the receiving end, but still a good learning experience.

I'm more afraid of mediocracy than I am of death!

I loved that book! I can't remember where I put it though. Might have to go searching for it. Anyway, to clarify for those who haven't read it, the purpose of the story was this, when he asked how long it would take, the master gave him a figure. When he asked what if he trained really hard, this illustrated to the master that he had completely missed the point, and would therefore, never become a master due to focusing on the wrong things.

The only you NEED in combat is what works at the time. Eg. There is no one thing you NEED, but there are plenty of things that will help!

I agree to a point. I think that stances give us the baseline from which to work. They teach us about balance, centre of gravity and movement. When it comes to an altercation though, much of that will go out the window and the only thing left will be the residue of our training.