bushido_man96

I think that the instructor's job is at least to start and guide the process. After all, that's what an instructor is there for!

Let the countdown begin!

Thanks, Patrick. That means a lot!

Not a bad idea, but it sounds like setting it up could be a little tricky. How do you situate yourself to get seated and all that?

Welcome aboard!

Welcome to KF, Matt!

I agree. Watch and see how things are with the higher ranks. If you see similar issues there, then you might be worried.

Congrats on hitting this milestone. Fifteen years, and all quality years at that. No site is its equal. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into making sure this site maintains the high quality that it does, Patrick.

Its a good idea that when we speak with another stylist, to consider a few things. First, we should consider what we know about the style, no matter how little that might be. Second, we have to consider that the person in front of us demonstrating or discussing the style doesn't represent the entire student body; they only represent themselves. If one wanted to judge the school, one needs to go see the school. Its very important to try to keep an open mind to anyone that comes talking about what they are passionate about in the Martial Arts. Its possible to learn from just about anyone.

Its not likely that too many of his Karate skill will translate to Folk Style Wrestling. However, he will understand what it means to work on technique, and should have some decent conditioning before he starts up. Even if he's done some tuite style joint locking or the like, Folk Wrestling is still a whole different ball game. With that said, I'd say he should go for it. He'll learn lots of valuable skills that, in my opinion, would blend really well with his Karate skills. He may not make a varsity squad, but there are plenty of opportunities for junior varsity competition, and he'll probably see marked improvement over the course of his time in the style. I'm biased, though. Both my boys do it, and I love what it gives them.

Hello, and welcome to KF!

Glad to have you back, jaymac!

Welcome to KF! Glad to have you on board!

I'm hoping I can make it happen! I will be checking the schedule and the plans, and crossing my fingers that things work out.

Congrats!

This is a natural thing in society. Cliques will develop, and this could be due to personalities, whether someone is an introvert or an extrovert, and all other manner of things. Some team building exercises might be a good idea, but I know from experience that when I get tossed into a group of unfamiliar people, I despise having to do the "stand up and introduce yourself, say something about yourself..." kind of icebreakers. Always hated those things. I'd much rather sit by myself, and work my way in as necessary. But that's just me. You might have some better luck with it.

How do you know big guys don't have stamina? I think that's a bit of a misconception about being bigger. In fact, I think there are a lot of misconceptions about being bigger in general. Big guys can have good agility, as well. Underestimating the athletic ability of a bigger guy is a good way to set oneself behind the 8-ball in a confrontation.

What, exactly, do you define "chi power" as? Something that can only be honed by meditation? I do not know what pandiculation is, either.

When I was in the ATA, sabumnim was just instructor, not master instructor. Interesting.

Sounds interesting. Please do keep us posted on what you learn about the style. Sounds like it has a little Kyoukushin flavor to it. Add in the grappling, and it sounds like its pretty well rounded.

Thank you, Bob. Last weekend we had our club awards banquet, where the club recognizes several kids from each age bracket for various things, and also recognizes those who qualified for state, placed at state, and placed at national tournaments. For the 10U kids, Kendall earned Wrestler of the Year honors, which I thought was really cool. He really busted his butt this year, especially on the state run, and was really proud of him. At 6U, Kenneth took home our club's Ultimate Iron Man award. Me, Kendall, and the wife were all surprised when we heard his name called for that one! Even though he didn't have a great season record wise, he was recognized as being a good sport, always shaking hands with the other coaches and the refs, and, this was the big one, he was always smiling while he was out on the mat. He received a backpack with Ultimate Ironman on it, and we got his name put on it, too. Both boys received plaques, as well. So, that wraps up another year of Wrestling. Kendall is still doing Freestyle/Greco practices, so he is still getting good work in, and hopefully adding some skills to his Folkstyle stand-up wrestling. I can't wait until next year!

I've seen an ankle lock done a few times, but never worked with it much myself. You've got a lot of positional stuff working there too. A lot to take in for me. Thanks for sharing it, Alex!

I've never liked the use of the terms "chi" or "chi power," as it often tends most to think of some mystical power the helps make a weak person strong or something like that. I think that if good structure and good technique are taught, then one gains efficiency in moving and striking, and everything falls into place. I think that makes more sense and is loads easier to grasp than bringing an internal concept like chi into it.

Nice article, thanks for sharing it. It seems like many times someone can get caught up in Chi Sao just to do Chi Sao, as opposed to working towards a solution to the problem in front of you. Like trapping in other styles. Many times, some can get caught up in trapping for the sake of trapping, instead of using at as another tool to work towards the solution.

I've had some exposure to Krav (Krav Maga Worldwide), and have enjoyed the training and the methodologies behind it. However, its one of those styles that has had some branch-off, and not all of it is good. Go check out the school you are looking to attend, and ask questions about what they are about and how they approach teaching, to see that it is what you want to do. If you are looking for a more "traditional" approach to training, you probably won't find it at a Krav school. But that doesn't mean the training won't be good, either. Go watch a class if you can, and ask some questions. Then come and let us know what you found out.