bushido_man96

Interesting thoughts. Thanks for sharing them. I wasn't sure how it exactly worked, but have heard complaints none the less.

Swan Lake doesn't really relate to Martial Arts forms, in my mind. I understand the point you are getting at, but things differ between styles, schools, players, etc. For example, DWx is a black belt in ITF TKD. I am also a black belt, but in a different organization (the Traditional TKD Association), and do many of the same forms DWx does. However, if you watch me do one, and DWx do the same one, you will notice a myriad of differences. She uses sine wave, and we do not. We move at a faster pace, doing more combination type moves, in my opinion. I probably wouldn't do well in an ITF tourney, but that's not what I'm geared for, either. So, as you can see, not everyone that does the same form will do it the same way.

I was choked out by Royce, to get the experience of it. It was a very gradual process, and I got the sensation of everything closing in, going dark, and then coming to. If the choke is released properly, there should be no ill effects. Bad things happen if it is held too long, which is negligence on the part of the person applying the choke.

Thank you for sharing your experiences in both Karate and Aikido, Robert. Its nice to hear from the perspective of someone who has done both for a period of time.

I think when you look into retaining a tradition, you need to look at why its retained, and then evaluate if it is important or not. Take Kobudo, for instance. Those specific weapons were trained at a time when they were all that was available. Times have changed, and different weapons are available and more applicable, like knives or guns. So, would it make more sense to look at how to use and defend against those weapons of the day?

Its always a pleasure to read your posts, ps1. I've always looked forward to your insight and advice. I can relate to this, as well. I've looked back and found how over time some of my views have changed. Its fun being able to see this, seeing how we grow.

Congrats on this milestone, Patrick, and in the way you've done it, not sacrificing quantity for quality. This is the best MA community out there.

Now, if the instructor invites you in, then said instructor shouldn't get too bent out of shape if you don't observe their traditions. Just my feelings there.

The Series is set, Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals. Who you got? I think St. Louis, in 7.

Yes, Patrick, you are right there. I know he's never been that kind of QB. But, I think they need to get somewhere near the 250 yard mark through the air on a regular basis in order to compete. With that said, the defense really stepped up and pulled out a close one agains the Texans, to get to 7-0, and a lead in the AFC West.

Happy Birthday, Bob!

I think I can't do 60 push-ups, so I'd try not to get into trouble. Yeah...I've a black belt myself, but it's not in doing push-ups, if you get my meaning. Yeah, that's right!

Change comes in smaller increments usually. Its important to focus on smaller objectives and work towards larger goals. Being an instructor isn't easy, and it takes time to learn, like many things!

I'm not going to excuse what he did and how he handled it, but he may have been having a bad day. It happens to everyone. Still, he should be in control of his emotions and the way he addresses people. With that said, I don't think this is really something that you should let bother you too much. If you have a problem with the way he teaches, then its always possible to go elsewhere. If the training is good, then perhaps staying with him and putting up with some differences is worth it. You could approach the instructor about his actions privately, and find out why he acted the way he did. He may not offer much info, but you can always approach him about it. He may not change, but it may help you understand better.

Teaching can be a challenge! Great that you stepped up to help, and got a taste of it. Thanks for the kudos to instructors, as well. Its nice to be appreciated!

I think that internal motivation comes over time. I think early on, many people like to be motivated. It gives them the sense that the person motivating them believes in them, and is worth their time in addressing them in such a way. Later on, when a student becomes more self-sufficient, self-motivation can be more prevalent. And some will just prefer to be motivated as opposed to motivating themselves.

The issue here is that we have now evaluate each technique, and decide what a beginner side kick looks like, and what should be fixed by the time the student is considered an intermediate. So, what are the criteria? From there, getting into the advanced levels, there comes a point in time where physical gains are smaller and smaller because of advancement. A 3rd dan side kick might look a lot like a 2nd dan side kick. In my opinion, here, the difference is noted when the practitioner is sparring or doing self-defense, in application. Just a few thoughts to kick this off.

I don't know if this matters or not, but check with the WTF. I believe they are separate entities. See if the WTF has something on file, and then get with the Kukkiwon. I could be wrong here, though.

Why 5 times? Is that just an arbitrary number or is there some science behind this I don't know about? K. I suppose you can practice each as often as you like. But, if you are like me, and tend to be strapped for time, then I like smaller numbers, like 5, to break up my routines.No science. I felt that if you perform the kata successfully 5 times in a row, then one could move to doing it the other way, 5 times in a row, to make sure you have them straight.

I don't think either of those options need to be considered. Perhaps I have different interpretations of a form than others do, and that would be reflected in my performance. If someone decides to separate each move of a form to the point that he only does one move at a time, whereas I feel some of the moves are performed in combination, then I will do how I think they are performed in combination, and not how the other person does it.

Congrats!

I recently learned a triangle choke, and I thought it was rather entertaining to do. Now, I just need to get some more reps and practice in on it.

Go watch classes at both schools, and talk to both of the instructors, and ask what they do as far as self-defense training goes. Then make your decision based off those responses.

Yeah, me too. He did play a good Beast in the X-Men movie.

I disagree that the best defense against an attack is a counter attack. I think the best defense is to strike pre-emptively, and continuously evaluate the situation and continue to attack if needed, or try to escape. Your "in-and-out," "in-and-down," and "in-and-thru" classifications are interesting.