bushido_man96

I guess you would have to look at the history of Shotokan to see what they mean. The "mother art" that Shotokan came from was a "life protection art". Meaning that it was a complete art that contained grappling, joint manipulation, inside fighting and was focused on protecting ones life above all else. When Funakoshi brought this art to Japan many things where changed some things, like the the meaning of Karate (China hand) to Karate (empty hand) were political, other changes such as stances and hand positioning where for aesthetics. When these changes took place the art evolved more towards a sporting aspect. This does not mean that a Shotokan practioner cannot defend him/her self on the street but it does mean that they are far removed from their roots, and have lost much in the process. MMA and full contact fighting is not combat. You do not fear for your life. The person you are facing is not intent on killing you. If you lose you get banged up, but you will survive. Now before everyone starts flaming me, let me say that I have great repect for these ATHLETES they take a beating, but so do boxers and we consider boxing a sport not combat. I believe that Shotokan is a sport form of Karate BUT that does not make it a "McDojo". The quality of the student is what determins that. I would like to make a point relevant to the one you have made here. The same thing that has happened to a lot of martial styles, like shotokan, can be releated to the likeness of what happened to fencing. It is in no way like its combative counterpart of the 15th to 16th centuries.

I would prefer to learn the quarterstaff (European/English style), and the escrima stick.

I like the extendable batons, because they are easier to carry, and are more resiliant. Just a note, I see several posts saying security guards should not carry batons/extendables, but in the same post, that person admits to owning some. Why shouldn't they carry one?

I wouldn't worry about a specific stance. Take an athletic position with your knees bent, legs not too far apart, and get a good burst into your jump. Do plyometrics twice a week, and build your leg strength. Also, make sure you have mastered the kick on the ground before you go flying through the air to do it.

I get this all of the time, being in Taekwondo. I understand how it makes you feel. Our sparring is controlled with rules, but we practice a lot of basics and one-steps as well.

You said the first was a fake side kick. Was it just a chambering motion, or did you actually throw the first kick?

I think that other sports practitioners can learn a lot from the skill development that martial arts provides, especially in balance and footwork. In response, what do you think martial artists could learn from playing sports like football and basketball?

Keep practicing hard, and don't do anything out of character. Let the GM see who you really are. Work hard, and try as hard as you can. The best advise is .... good luck!

Sumo is taken very seriously as an art in Japan, and I hear that Japanese women idolize them as like rock stars and pro atheletes.

Here's another idea..If I could identify a leader, I would lock on to him, and just go straight to punching him and following up, like a blast I guess. If you can take the leader out, you may be able to diffuse the situation.

Good luck...It's refreshing to see this kind of testimony of searching and training. Thank you for sharing with us.

I agree with you. I am short and stocky (ok, fat), and I like to see the look on peoples faces when they see a guy my size do some of those things. At my school, we spend time on basics, forms, and one-steps. Not much time is spent on Olympic sparring, except in our sparring and kicking class.

Sohan nailed that one for you. You get what you take from studying an art.

I am 5'7", and 245. I sure won't be using that tactic anytime soon. The best tactic may be the first part....run. Otherwise, you have to be efficient in what you do. Kick a knee, kick a groin, gouge an eye, etc. You don't want to dance with multiple attackers.

I am in TKD, and do the 180 degree pivot. I like it, and feel that with the foot pivoted 180, instead of 90, there is more support behind it, and the body is positioned correctly. When the foot only pivots 90 degrees, then the body tends to lean to the side, and not toward or away from the kick (if that makes sense). Keep practicing, it will come to you.

I'm curious to know what version of Tae Kwon Do's history these volumes subscribe to. The hundreds of years old version or the less then 60 years old version?Gen. Choi describes in these volumes how he came up with his style, called Taekwondo, and does not elaborate on ancient styles. He did claim that he had learned some Taek-yon, and had trained in Karate.

I have read The Secrets of Cabales Serrada Escrima, by Mark V. Wiley. It is very informative, and has a good looking base set of moves to get you started. However, I always recommend seeking out a qualified instructor to start learning something new.

Boxing, wrestling, TKD; they are all sports, in essence. Wrestling does have some nice holds, and some very nice throws that can be beneficial in a self defense situation. There is nowhere for me to learn BJJ, so wrestling would be my best option for groundfighting experience. I am only saying that it should not be overlooked.

This is an awesome site. I love everything about it. I feel like I have been able to make contact with the martial arts community as a whole, and enjoy the interaction that takes place on the site. Job well done.

Good luck in opening your dojo.

I had heard that the Mas Oyma started the K-1. I believe he is the founder of kyokushin, but can't remember for sure. Is this the case? Another note, it is a little sad that some styles are losing the forms and focusing on fighting so much. TKD is the same way, once you are recognized as a possible national fighter.

I had a black belt testing for (2nd dan) where the boards were cut to small of dimensions. There wasn't very much surface area to land the techniques on when trying to break. It did not go so well. But hey, you do your best, learn from it, and then move on. Good luck.

It sounds to me like this guy is trying to feed his ego by intimidating everyone. These people are not worth being around, and are not worthy to call themselves teachers or instructors. If you are in this situation, getting out is probably a good thing. Nobody learns anything by getting beat up.

Get out. If you don't, and people find out the reputation of the school, that reputation will be pinned on you by everyone that knows about it.

You are right, Grandmasterchen, about the variance between instructors. But I think you made some good points. One of the main concerns I have is with the contact levels that you spoke of. I also believe that many Karate schools have different contact areas, like hands to the head, kicks to the groin, sweeps, etc. My dad started in TKD when I was about 4, and back then he said they allowed sweeps, groin, and head contact with the hands. The olympics have changed that. I was wondering about Kyokushin Karate. From what I have figured out, the rules for target areas are the same as TKD, but the contact level is harder, and not done by points. Is this true? If so, the two styles could make a happy MA marriage.