Half Full

Here where I live a local university hosts annual knock-down tourneys. A local dojo called world oyama hosts them. They claim to be an offshoot of kyokushin. I noticed in these tourneys that face contact with the hands was illegal. Several dojo's attended, is this a general rule for kyokushin tourneys? I'm curious because it seems that in fighting would a little more comfortable, without having to worry abaout hands to the head.

Contracts are desigmed to ensure profit. Most schools try to justify contracts by placing the responsibilty on students. I've heard phrases used such as "this will make sure your serious about taking lessons" or "it usually takes three months to decide if our style is a fit with you." The truth is they bind you, and then regardless of circumstance they can collect their money.

You may be correct that the brain cannot differentiate between stressors, but I think it has been proven that it can assess variables in intensity. For instance, the thrill before competion, the adrenaline rush as it were, that is a response to the stimulation of competition. Most competitive fighters never really feel they are fighting for life or death. It is also obvious that the brain can produce chemical reactios at differing levels. For example, fear of facing parents over a bad grade, anxiety at work, or a mugger with a gun to your head. Each of these produce different levels of fear, with different emotional and physical reactions. I must admit that I do not know the science behind how long an adrenal rush lasts or what it does to a body's energy levels. Conditioning is something anyone should consider, to be at optimum health, but in most violent attacks by suprise or street violence fighting, usually, and I'm stressing usually here, these fights do not last long enough for adrenal drain to be a factor. Your last point I completely agree with. I am definately a non traditionalist, and i don't think that mainstream dojo's offer the kinds of training we're debating. Thats another thread most likely. I believe that even thopugh we can't re-enact this sort of violence exactly, there are training methods to improve your reactions. Think about it, just knowing what your body will do in those situations is better than not knowing , so just in discussing mental and emotional chemical responses your readiness is already improved.

I'm really not sure which Martial Art not already in use, would enhance the ability of a UFC/MMA competition fighter. Although, the different suggestions have made for some interesting studies. I don't think I'm qualified to give an opinion on UFC/MMA fighting so I won't try. However, I did enjoy the tangent taken, and subsequent debate on reality versus competition orientation. Several quality points were made on both fronts. That being said, I think I see eye to eye with White Warlocks' opinions. This is not to say that I think Warlock is right, just that we seem to share the same view in this instance. I wanted to add one point that I thought was somewhat omitted. A very large part of reality training, as I see it, requires mental reprogramming. For example, adrenaline. Do competition fighters fell adrenaline? Yes they do. Is it same same level as someone who is suprise attacked. No it is not. Emotional, chemical, and psychological responses to stimuli are rarely covered in conventional or sport oriented Martial Arts. Where in reality they play a vast role in the outcome of violent encounters with intent to harm. Victim thinking has to be overcome, and some of the mind's natural reactions have to be changed. These things can only be overcome by training precisely to overcome them, and it does take time. Anyways, I'm going on much to much here, I apoligioze for swaying, yet again, from the threads initial question. I was so impressed by the debate, I just thought I would chime in , thanks.

I would say that it was the right idea coupled with an incorrect application. Obviously your friend meant to show the bully that he could readily disable him. I think however, that hand to groin in that environment may have been a poor choice. If your friend is as skilled as you alluded then he would have several options to choose from. In his defense though, sometimes it is hard to determine the outcome or view others make take. The knee gently tapping the groin would get the point accross without the sexual overtones of using the hand to groin. In closing though, I do agree that a church that overlooked the original threatening gestures of the aggressor, needs to be more aware of the whole story before they pass judgement on anyone. It is dangerous to label your friend as commiting some sort of sexually inappropriate behavior, as this could damage him/her long term.

Greetings to all on this forum. I hope to learn as well as contribute while I'm here. I am 39 years old. I have studied and/or practiced several Martial Arts since I was 7. I don't claim any expertise or mastery however, I have moved from style to style through life trying to put it all together to fit myself. I work for a Church doing maintenance, and teach a self defense class part-time. I have a whopping 3 students! I am also a proud veteran, US Army. I served 8 years. Currently Im working on starting some child protection and date rape seminars at local schools and universities. Guess that's it, just a normal guy hoping to make a few friends, and pick up some things maybe I don't know. Thanks , HF