bushido_man96

Ah, ok. Thanks, Bob.

What would this technique be in English? Some kind of round kick, I'm guessing.

The thing with any style using forms, in my opinion, is keeping it all in perspective. I don't think that forms are the heart of Karate, or of TKD for that matter. The self-defense applications are. One can only learn so much from kata. What is more important than kata in any Martial Art, is having training partners to work on the applications with, to bounce ideas back and forth, and to make each other better.

The only Shotokan kata I would know is Naifanchi, or Tekki, Shodan.

It would be a great way to get comfortable with ground fighting, which is likely lacking in your Karate training. Learning how to improve position so that you can get up and use your striking skills is valuable information. I think it would be a great idea for you.

Thanks, Bob.

Thank you for the explanation. I will look into it and see how it works for me.

Welcome to KF!

Welcome to KF! I think you'll find the site quite informative and helpful.

I think the pressure of the test if one of the important things that students learn to overcome. We do most of our black belt testings at our HQ school in Topeka, in front of the GM. For those that test every month at the headquarter school, its probably no big deal. But for those that only come in once every few years, it tends to be a bit more unnerving. Its good to feel those butterflies, and overcome them.

6/27/2013 During basics, I noticed one of the kids having trouble getting a good pivot when doing a hopping side kick in a combination. So, I broke it down for the whole class. We started in a sitting stance, and I had them just step the back leg up to the kicking leg, making and L with their feet. The back foot (base foot) pointed towards the back of the room, making the pivot. From there, I increased the speed which they stepped together, concentrating on making the L. From there, I had them skip together and shuffle the other foot forward (basically what I would refer to as a "replacement step"). This would essentially land them in a back stance, but the idea of the front and back leg would be reversed. This helped link the idea of the pivot for the hop. After some shuffling down the floor and back, I had them add in the kick. Made a difference, for sure. One thing I've tried to work with the class on is when they do jumping kicks, its still important that there is a "pivot," even in the air. Otherwise, the body doesn't get positioned correctly for the kicks. Then we spent time reviewing forms, which some of the higher rank kids are doing a much better job with. The new white belts got plenty of reps in on their form, and the high ranks got some good review. One-step review was next, and while doing one-steps, I noticed some spacing issues, so I chatted with the class about spacing when it comes to self-defense. If you are doing some joint manipulation or joint locking, I explained that these things have to happen at pretty close range. I also demonstrated how by being in close, its easier to apply leverage with body weight, and such things like that.

Great post, ps1. I look for effort when I am teaching. I want my students to push themselves, and take an initiative in their learning. I want them to work hard for themselves, not for me. I'd also like for them to have pride in the school, and what we are teaching. I want them to think of themselves as ambassadors of the school, and set good examples. I'm big on integrity, too.

It sounds like too much of the old fashioned approach. If the instructor isn't willing to listen to you, then he doesn't value you as a student enough for you to stay. It sounds to me like the two were a bit stubborn, and if you can't come forward and be comfortable enough to talk to you instructor, then that isn't any place to be. I say move on, and find another good school to train at.

In the past, when it comes to doing plyometrics, I've seen recommendations that an individual be able to squat 1.5 times their own body weight before doing plyos. Also, I've seen that plyos should only be done about twice a week, allowing somewhere around 72 hours for the body to recover.

Technique and good training will go a long ways. But, if you want to be strong, too, then there is nothing wrong with that. And you don't have to "bulk up" if you don't want to. You have some options. Mark Rippetoe has a program called Starting Strength, and in it, he includes what is known in the weight training world as GOMAD; the Gallon Of Milk A Day diet. I don't recall how long he runs it for, but if you want to get stronger and add some weight, then that would work for you. That said, you don't have to bulk up to get stronger. Good weight programs like Starting Strength, Stronglifts 5x5, and Wendler 5/3/1, are all focused on gaining strength, and will put size on you regardless. Its up to you if you want to do the milk and really gain some weight. Looking into Rippetoe's method will give you an idea as to whether it is for you or not. Read his stuff, then make a decision on it.

6/27/2013 Taught TKD: 6-7pm. Basics, forms review, and one-steps. During basics, I broke down the footwork to make sure everyone was pivoting properly for a hop side kick. I also discussed spacing as it regards self-defense techniques, and how self-defense tends to happen in close range a lot of times. 6/28/2013 DT/BJJ: noon-1:15 pm. Worked on an elevator sweep, and shrimping along with that, trying to get more comfortable with moving my hips while someone is smothering me. I also kind of put together how I can make that work in with the umpa/elbow escape strings. I was also showed an arm bar from the guard, that was pretty slick. Also learned a different guard pass to get to side control; we would elbow into the nerve on the inside of the legs, and either apply pressure or just strike them, forcing the legs apart, then either pass an arm under the leg and move it up and over and make the pass, or flatten out the leg with the forearm, and crawl over it to side control. Then was shown how I can get to an Americana or to a arm and neck triangle (I think that's what it was called).

I don't know if any drawbacks to stretching daily. I should do it more often, but I don't.

If de-escalation doesn't work, Law Enforcement People should use either "Judo" like restraining techniques, or stop a conflict with superior numbers/weapons. There is no reason at all for them to engage in a fist fight, break someones knee or stomp a head (which would be Karate)... ...respect for the car-less lifestyle! I guess it keeps you fit! Normally, cops won't be stomping heads. Cops have to adhere to a use of force continuum. Sometimes, strikes need to be used. Often, they will be kicks to the legs, or knee strikes to the legs, if need be. Now, if the force level escalates beyond that, like with a knife, then higher levels of force are necessary. If someone grabs my gun, higher levels of force are warranted. That guy might get an elbow to the face as I try to wedge him away from me. If he continues to hold on, he'll probably get a few more. But, its justifiable because of the level of force he is willing to commit to. So, in the end, it all just depends.

This excercise will explain it better than any written explanation from any of us. Yes, very nice. I like this idea.

I think it presents an interesting dynamic. Avoidance is the best option, always, by far. Meeting it should only happen when it has to. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Yes, as a matter of fact, the goal for me is to train my department now. It was an instructor level course, so I am certified to teach the material. Absolutely! I hope I get to train again in a year.

I think what it boils down to is what they will allow to be done in "Scouting Related Events." So, no TKD demos at scouting events, I'm guessing.

Going back seems to be the hardest thing for lots of MAists to do. I've talked to some who have been and quit, and when I mention coming back, they either want to have things memorized again before they come back, or want to get into better shape, or some other excuse. I think most of the time, its pride that gets in the way. People know when they go back, they won't be as good as they were when they left, and those that were below them that stuck around will be better. I think most often, its ego that doesn't let some people come back. I'm not saying ego is your problem here. Don't let the little things that pop into your mind bother you. GO BACK! You will thank yourself for it.

You'll have to elaborate a bit more on what au is. If I can pull it off, I'd give it a warmup shot.

Welcome aboard!