bushido_man96

Welcome to KF, Tempest!

I've heard that method before, but never drilled it. I've thought about how I would set up scenarios and work this with students, perhaps them hitting certain key words helping to bring the situation down, or other certain words or actions would amp things the wrong way. I think there are lots of opportunities to put to use in this type of training. I'm curious where these "industry standards" come from, where you learn them at.

Even adults can continue to develop, if they choose to. I think it usually takes a bit more determination to change as an adult, though.

Ditto for me. I think its only natural at times. But, you shouldn't feel strange if you feel confident in yourself, either. Good luck as you test!

"75 Down Blocks" by Rick Clark, which is available on Kindle for 10 bucks nowadays. It's an interesting read and there is some good applications. There's also a few stinkers in there too unfortunately. The main idea is it gets you to look outside the box and see what you can do with a chosen technique. That's what I thought. I would give it a look. Thanks!

A tradition is an act or process or other such thing that it followed because it has been followed in the past. People in the Martial Arts sometimes fail to see that traditions can be started at any time, and as long as the new act or process is adhered to, then it becomes a tradition as well. I think what most "traditional" stylists try to do is adhere to what someone started so as not to change it, either because they feel it can't be improved upon, or is "the way it is supposed to be," or in order to not lose what was taught, whether it be applicable or efficient or not.

If he was a grappler, he didn't show it well. I would think most grapplers would be willing to take a few shots to get in close, take down, and submit.

I've heard lots of good things on Miller's writings. I just haven't had a chance to read any of them yet.

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There is word that floats around about ambush attacks like this in response to cops shooting down armed suspects. Its very realistic to assume someone wanting revenge would just call in a "suspicious activity" report or a "welfare check," to lure in an officer and kill them. Always be vigilant.

Never have experienced this, and I feel bad for you. I hope it heals soon!

Have you tried a google search? That will give you relatively close options. Also, check the phone book for whole-in-the-wall places that haven't moved into the internet age.

If there is a Hapkido school nearby, you might check it out, as well. Aikido is a nice art, too, but I find its a bit too pain avoidance for my tastes in self-defense, but I have learned some good things from it. I'd start checking out schools in your area, see what they offer, and see what fits your desires the most. Who knows? You may practice a while to find out what you thought you wanted in training isn't what you wanted after all, and switch to something else. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Enjoy your Shotokan training, and keep us posted as to how it goes.

Tallgeese gave some good answers, and I can't add much more. Finding some guys or gals that are willing to up the intensity with from time to time might give you what you are looking for. Also, ask your instructor about it, and see if he knows and would recommend anyone you could some more of that kind of sparring with.

I agree that MA skills don't transfer to other things. There are MAists out there that think they do, but they don't. I would also offer that you didn't choke there on that game, Bob. You did your best, gave your all, and that's about all anyone can ask for. I think the word choke is a bit overused when it comes to sports analogies. Now, if you lost a game of bowling to me, who really sucks, and I ended up winning some over-the-top bet with you, then that would likely be a choke. But this instance, na, I don't think so.

Good thought here. I think there was a book written about a down block, with like 75 different applications. I'd check that out.

I think its important to practice the techniques, and then as you apply them with different people who attack differently, things will have to be modified and varied here and there. It takes time and practice to work techniques through to find out what works for you and what doesn't, and what it takes to adjust. As for fault? I don't think I can put a good answer to that.

This is more the way I feel about it. I base my feelings on suicide on my religious beliefs, as well. I just don't see the honor in a ritualistic method of suicide. It says to me, "I give up, because I can't fix what's been done." Maybe I just don't really understand the viewpoint the Samurai had on the subject, but its just too foreign to me, I guess.

This is a tough one. Here's another way to look at it--do you make friends at work? I've found that with Martial Arts training, its hard not to make friends. I've been both instructor and student, and have been the instructor that would hang out with students from time to time, and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. As humans, we tend to make friends with those who have the same interests as us, and become involved in the same things as us. As an instructor, its important to make sure to relate to the students that maintaining the professionalism of the classroom is important, and to not allow that to become compromised. But, if the students are being true friends, then that shouldn't be a problem, either. I think this is the major bridge. If friendship is used to try to circumnavigate the rules and expectations of the dojo, then that person doesn't want to be your friend, anyway. They are a manipulator. I met my wife at my current TKD school.

Well, I'd never thought I'd want to see the end of the NFL regular season, but man, this year has been trying. I could say they couldn't be any worse next year, but they could lose all of them. I guess we'll see what the draft and free agency brings.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well, pittbull. I hope everyone has some good, safe, and fun holidays.

I could never chain kicks together like that. And no way could I do his jumping spinning axe looking kick. Nasty! When I started my current TKD style, it was cool to associate the form he was doing at the game intro, Hwa Rang. Loved it. But when the Panda does it, its just not as good.