Ti-Kwon-Leap

I rest my case.

When I lived in Kauai I had to deal with many guys who had an apriori bias against "haolies". One tactic that seemed to work well was to remain calm and frendly in the face of hostility. They were looking for a challenge and nothing more. When they found out that I wasn't going for the bait they usually changed their behavior. Another thing that works well is feeding your potential adversary an unexpected compliment while maintaining a non threatening demeanor. It's amazing how many aggressive types haven't recieved enough "love from mamma".

Start reciting Alcoholics or Narcotics anonymous slogans. I've never met a wasted person yet who could withstand it's onslaught.

WhiteShark: Yes, I have pulled this technique off in sparring. It works when someone throws a rear leg roundhouse (for instance) and you simultaneously throw a fake low frontkick (or something similarly fast as you vault forward (ready to block any hand techniques) and bingo you are basically standing behind them. I wouldn't call the person I use it on "sucker" either. It's a carefully orchestrated move that takes advantage of an opponents momentum. Yes you have to be fast to pull it off, and yes it is a bold move but it works. (you'll just have to trust me) It even works when someone stomps forward in an effort to startle you because they are trying to get you to throw a move they can counter. Think of it like bumrushing a person with a slow turning back kick.

To Martial_Artist: ROTFLMAO! That's exactly what I'm talking about! I think many people start fights because they are frustrated and bored. A little distraction, humor surprize, or just plain BS can go a long way in controlling the flow of events. I want to hear MORE STORIES!!!

Several years ago I was confronted by a guy who had obviously had too much to drink. He wanted to fight and for some reason he chose me. Well, fighting a big, stupid guy did not seem like a fun filled evening so I decided to confuse him in an effort to avoid the whole mess. I said: "Cody Baker??? Is that you, man?" He said "No..." I continued..."Wow You have an exact twin, you look exactly like someone I went to high school with" and then I went on about what a bad ass Cody was and blah blah blah. Anyway it worked like a charm and he ended up calming down and acting like I was his best friend. What I want to know is: Have any of you ever used psychological tactics to control an adversary? I'm sure at least one of you has a similar story, I have several... Mental battles are more fun to win than physical ones.

Ever heard of the one inch punch? A lead leg kick if done properly should be able to knock an opponent down, break bones or whatever. If it lacks power it's not being done properly. Use your hips, train for explosive power from a dead standstill! Yes it is true that you can get a lot of momentum from a rear leg roundkick but it has to travel twice as far! I believe in the efficacy of front leg kicks because they work in the real world and they always get there before the rear leg kicks do. Hey, it's just my opinion...

It's actually spelled "Miyagi"

Sharing too much knowledge about yourself can work against you. Martial arts were once secret for good reason. Share your knowledge with those people who are receptive. If you must represent your school publically, do it with class. We must set a good example for those people who may want to express themselves in the martial arts. I remember the quiet dignity of my mothers friend who was a Kung Fu teacher. He influenced my decision to dedicate myself and seek that calm that he exuded. There are goofballs in every sort of discipline imaginable. There are those of us who live and breathe it as well. People who meet me know the difference. By the way great post, Martial_Artist.

There is a look that you can give that will shut up 99% of the loudmouths. I can't teach it but it comes from being above the petty ego based taunts. Indomitable spirit is pretty much where that power comes from. It's a crystal clear stare that goes right to the soul of the person and it mirrors his stupidity right back at him. It makes most people feel like the child they are. I'll bet KC has it...

Excellent! I think EVERYONE should be forced to read that book! Good luck Dee.

Bruce Lee once said that if he was 6'2" he would rule the world. Even the great Bruce Lee realized that a persons size makes a huge difference. Of course there are so many other factors that make up a great fighter but if I had my choice I'd be bigger. I believe that allother factors being equal, the bigger guy has the edge, that is of course unless the size is useless flab..Heh heh. -My opinion

Size only matters when your opponent is bigger than you. The other day, I witnessed a kid (green belt) about 6'4" 250# pick up and throw a smaller blackbelt across the room during an exercise. The kid looks like Dolph Lungren. Yeah size DOES matter, don't kid yourself. (pun intended)

maybe take some extra time before class to warm up slowly until your muscles get stronger. Also, avoid doing any kicking without properly warming up. (this is crucial) Good luck!

I like to practice different "sticking hands" type drills while blindfolded. This is where you pretend that your wrists are magnetically "stuck" to your opponents. First, you try to move your hands in circular and linear paterns and your opponent sympathetically follows your movements. Next you interactively try to touch your opponent as he tries to touch you but the goal is to touch your opponent while not letting him touch you. Ultimately, in a combat situation you can keep a grappler from getting the upper hand and also block while attacking in an effortless fashion. This training is great for people who are uncomfortable with close up confrontations.

When I throw a back kick I an using a side facing JKD type stance. I push off with my rear leg and turn slightly so that I my back is almost facing the opponent. As this is happening, the push-off leg is chambered UNDER my body and as my back squares with the opponent the kicking leg fires straight back. when fully extended, you should be looking over your shoulder and down your leg straight at your target. Your hands should be close to your kicking leg ready to block. I do not build "spinning" momentum as this is unnecessary. A turning back kick should not be performed like a spinning side kick because it misses the whole purpose of the kick which is to have a lightning fast powerful kick that is hard to counter. If your arms are flailing and you are spinning with what is basically a spinning side kick you have just wasted valuable time by overextending your body with a half turn when contact could have been made with a quarter turn. Practice relaxing in a side stance and visualize your rear foot pushing off and traveling in a straight line to the opponent. This kick should be performed with no telegraphing and done in one smooth action. You need to kick them before they can react. Start out slow and easy until it becomes second nature. this one is best performed on a heavy bag so you can develop power at the same time. I use my heel as the contact point. When delivering the kick your arms should stay close to your body and be ready to block any possible counters.

Like this one I found today... http://kids.msn.com/kidz/featuredisney32.asp

Somebody flunked physics class.

I think my biggest mistake is my hangup with aesthetics. Sometimes my sparring resembles a well thought out demo. I'm not saying I want to fight like Joey Buttefuoco but it's like I'm worried about it being camera-worthy.

High kicks can be risky depending on who you are fighting. Only a highly trained fighter can stop a front heel kick to the jaw, which by the way can be deployed from infighting range. High kicks have never been part of my streetfighting strategy although I have used them effectively in street fights. Once you throw a kick in a street fight your opponent is just waiting to grab your leg and give you a "flexibility test" so you better make the first one count. If a person can't throw lightning fast kicks without telegraphing then he/she would be smart not to attempt them in a real life situation. Also, knowing what to do when somebody actually grabs your leg should be part of everyone's training.

I look at the eyes right up until the action starts. you can read intention, reason with, dominate or frighten a person with the eyes. Once playtime begins a soft focus around the solar plexus allows me to see the body language better. It's almost as if I am looking "through" my opponent.

Your awareness of others should be second nature. Anyone could attack you at any time and that includes when you are sitting at home watching TV. I like to pretend that various people are going to suddenly try something and I will visualize countering them. I think the trick is to keep your focus on the external when you are out in public. Too many people are walking around the streets thinking about the future or the past. A warrior should live in the present moment as much as possible. As I think back to some of the times I was sucker punched it was because I was inside my head and not paying attention to what other people were doing or how they were behaving. Ya can't catch knives with chopsticks when you are staring off into space and I think predator types inherently know this. Oh yeah, and every morning I drink at least one cup of awareness before I leave the house!

My personal preference is kicking/stomping the legs or feet. Reasons are: 1. Nearly impossible to block. 2. A less mobile opponent will have a harder time delivering an attack and/or chasing you. 3. Less risk of causing permanent damage or killing your opponent. 4. Lesser likelyhood of the opponent grabbing you and pulling you to the ground. Again these are my personal preferences for a hit and run strategy. If for instance I were backed into a corner, I would go for the vitals:nose/eyes/temples/ears/groin/throat. (not necessarily in that order) Heh.

TOP TEN SIGNS YOU ARE IN A DYING MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL 10.The school demands long term contracts with "special discounts" for cash paid up front. 9. It is announced that classes will now be held via the internet. 8.The school has puffy eyelids and an irregular pulse. 7. The sign on the front of the school says "EVERYTHING MUST GO!!!" 6. You see the head instructor on "Americas Most Wanted". 5. For some reason night classes are now held by candlelight. 4. You see your teacher riding the bus. 3. Sensei is seen as a guest on the "Psychic Network" 2. A "Keno" television suddenly appears in the wating area. 1. During class one of the students is taken out by a wrecking ball.

The Way To Victory" by Hidy Ochai IS a translation of the five rings. I would recommend getting a five rings book that is translated by a martial arts master and not some money hungry buisiness rat.