bushido_man96

How much do you suppose that bag weighs?

Those clips were interesting. One of the guys seemed to just spin all of the time. Not a lot of jabs, but a lot of haymakers. I thought there would be more kicking, but not a lot of combinations. They were fast, though.

We don't do any bunkai training in my school at all. From what I have heard talked about it, it sounds like I am missing out on a lot of fun.

Luck is the residue of design - Napolean

This is an interesting observation. Maybe it is because the full contact guys are so earnest in hitting, that the technique starts to slip. If this is the way they train from day one, then they will do the techniques as fast as they can, failing to learn the proper technique first. By learning proper technique first, and then focusing on building speed and power, you should be able to overcome those who take the other approach. However, better technique does not necessarily make the better fighter; strategy and tactics come into play then.

I agree completely.

Chivalry has to do with all different kinds of things, and not as much to do with battle. When you help people and society, and protect your own from attack, whether your family or country, you could call it chivalrous. Chivalry is a code of conduct. Plain and simple. Just like Bushido, which is often referred to as the Japanese chivalric code. Samurai were not the only chivalrous ones out there. Peasants could be as well. When you do your duty to your family, employer, country, then it is done according to your code of conduct. If I claim to be chivalrous when you confront me, it does not mean I am going to let you take the first shot, nor does it mean I am going to fight on even grounds according to rules. I will cheap shot, kick dirt in your eyes, and get the sun to my back to try to blind you. Does this make me unchivalrous or dishonorable? No. No matter what the society is, there are certain things that are considered wrong. When you do what is right to combat what is wrong, it is chivalrous.

Please do

I wish I was in a more populated area, where I could just go to the fighter practices 2 times a week. I agree with you, I don't want to camp, but the competitions do interest me.

Maybe you could check out some caporiea web sites.

If you can get some help, it can go smoothly.

I am not sure how you would safely incorporate knees and elbows into the sparring

You did something I am not sure I would have done. You don't know what kind of people are out there. I don't like to stereotype, but I do like to keep myself safe. Personally, I don't carry weapons of any kind on me, except for a kubotan as a key chain, and that is just when I go to work. Trying to stay safe in the world today causes us to second guess our judgement in certain situations.

Even as a TKD guy, I think you might get more self-defense help from the Kenpo classes, unless you get hooked up with a nice traditional TKD school.

Ok, how about this: side step out with your back leg, and do a lead knifehand strike to neck level, followed by hook punch to body/ribs, followed by a back leg round kick to body or head (preferably head ). Lead backfist to the head (in reality, to the side of the face), then turn fast into a spin side kick to the body. Here's a kicker: Start about two stance lengths away from the bag, and do a Thai style push kick to body level with the back leg, and push the bag away hard....follow with a spin side kick with the other leg into the body, or if you can pull it off, do the spin side kick like you are switching your feet really fast, almost like a little jump.

I think that Kenpo may have better hand techniques, but TKD would be the way to go for kicking. If it an Olympic style of TKD that you learn, they will focus on speed and counter kicks, footwork, and timing. They will probably have some good target drills to keep your interest as well.

That article very well makes the case for katas. A very nice article indeed. You mentioned "making your own kata." Sounds like a good idea, studying moves in depth, and putting them together with principles in mind....oh, the possibilities!

That is a very nice article, and I can relate to a lot of the elements included therein. I am a detention officer for our county jail now, and I can see where our society has gone on a daily basis. Drugs that I didn't know where around, and things like that. The more that we can all set good examples for younger people to follow, then the better we can help ourselves out in society as a whole.

Are there any good books out there dealing with these two weapons? I have Fumio Demura's Bo book, and I have Dave Lowry's Jo book. Are there any others?

Are you speaking strictly for competition purposes, of for fighting/weapons applications purposes. I am very interested in the bo and the jo, but I am not terribly interested in forms competition. I want to do some contact weapon sparring/drilling.

Years ago, I read an article in Black Belt magazine about a practitioner in Florida who combined the two styles to come with some quite unique concepts. He showed various Thai kicking mixed with some TKD's quick kicking, and some counter stuff. I was wondering what you all though about combining the two styles. I know most of us have seen the Muay Thai vs. TKD video, so that might be a good reference point. I'll start: Thai fighters would gain some different footwork applications. I think the TKD guy would gain better punching power, low kick applications, and some toughness.

By "karate" techniques, do you mean just kicking, or also some of the more exotic hand techniques, ie. knifehands, hammerfists, etc?

Congratulations, Aodhan! As a form ATA competitor, I know what kind of competition is out there, and that you have accomplished no small feat. Good luck at Worlds!!

I have the problems with side kicks on the bag. It is hard to notice if I am getting any power on them. Try swinging the bag away, and then stop it with a front leg side kick, or a spin side kick. See if you can get it to fold over your foot a little bit.

You bet! Cover my airfare to Kansas, and I'll see ya twice a week. With respect, Sohan .....aaaahhhh.....I'll see what I can do! (Gotta win the lotto!)