bushido_man96

Any technique can be effective, if it lands. Like jumping 540 degree spinning hook kick. Effective, if it lands on the noggin. Efficient, though? Not really. It takes a good setup, and is a long technique.

That's awesome! Have a good time!

I don't think necessarily, but also kind of in a way, yes. Confused? Me too. Everyone really has their own style and method. You are taking what you've learned and your experiences and using them to mold your self-defense. So, what you do may be a bit different from what others do. So in a way, it is your own style. But, does that constitute the creation of a new style? Not necessarily. I could take the Hapkido I've done and add it into what I've learned with TKD, but I don't think that would necessarily mean I've created a new style. Just a different method and approach.

My dad had introduced me to the MAs as a young boy, probably 8 or around there. He took me to a few of his classes, but nothing really stuck then, but the seed was planted. As I got into middle school, I was bullied some, and had low confidence. My 8th grade year in 1993, a buddy invited me to his TKD class, and that was that.

I don't think I can tell this very well. If I see someone bow at the door or something, then that's usually a dead give-away. But I've never really been able to just spot them like that.

I think that's a good way to make the distinction. Aren't some of the bigger-named MMA gyms expensive to train in, as well?

Thanks for sharing this portion of your journey with us, Danielle. I think you'd do great as a teacher!

I always loved learning a new form. Right now, I actually dread the form I'm doing. I just can't seem to make it flow properly for me. But, I'll just keep at it, since I have to test with it coming up. Learning a new form is always a blast for me. I love putting the new stuff together, the challenge of the new techniques, the new combinations, and all that good stuff.

Congrats!

My knees are always sore after class. I've never injured them, though. I feel for you, and hope you get back with it when all healed up. Job and all that really slows things down, doesn't it?

1/28/2013 TKD class: 6:00 - 7:10. Finally back to a class! I was sore, and out of shape. I really have to get my legs back under me now. 1/29/2013 10 minutes of Wrestling practice with Kendall prior to his regular practice. Worked on stand-up to standing switch, did some arm drags, and a shoot/sprawl drill.

Welcome to KF! Glad to have you!

I've seen the same wrist locks demonstrated in Jujitsu and Aikido books as I've seen found in Medieval Weapons manuscripts. The idea that there is nothing new under the sun is very true. What has changed over the years is specialization; Boxing with the hands, Judo with throws, TKD with kicking, BJJ with grappling, and the list goes on. Aside from the physical specialization of various styles, there are the philosophical specializations that have taken place, which create the differences between similar yet distinct styles like Hapkido and Aikido. As far as some universal principles....it will probably take someone with a better mind than mine to pick them out. As far as circular vs linear styles goes, I've noticed that no style is exclusively one or the other. Circles can work around straight lines, and straight lines are usually quicker than circles. So both are needed. Changing levels I think could be a universal principle. Even in a limited target and weapon style like Boxing, high/low/high is important to keep an opponent off balance. Weapons fighting and self-defense is the same way.

Jujitsu, Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art, by George Kirby. This is another Ohara Publications book, and this one was a bit more in-depth than some of the others I have read. It had a pretty nice intro/history section, along with some theory of the author, and then the techniques section. The techniques sections were pretty lengthy in spots, but overall I don't think the descriptions were poor at all. They were pretty thorough, and with a good training partner and some prior experience, going through the techniques wouldn't be too bad. Other than the thoughts of the author in regards to "training for self-defense and training as a Martial Art," and the descriptions of ki in training, I thought the book was pretty good.

Hmmm, good question. Five years ago, I was in a bit better shape. Now, I am in worse shape, but think I have a better understanding and a different outlook on aspects of self-defense, and various ideas on techniques in the style. Five years ago, I was attending more classes per week. Now my time constraints provide new challenges to making it to classes. In 10 to 20 years, I really still see myself plugging away at TKD. I hope to expand my training some, as well, back into Combat Hapkido, and perhaps back more to Aikido.

I picked self-defense. If I could have ranked them, I would have went with learn a skill 2nd, because I have always loved the physical challenges TKD has offered for me.

I have to take issue with this point. I was in the ATA, and the ATA has a camouflage belt. I think most people are more irritated that its not one of the "traditional" belt colors out there. The ATA has a 9 belt system before reaching black belt status. Each rank has basics, forms, and one-steps to learn for the test. I don't think a 9 or 10 colored belt system is too out of hand now days, nor do I think that it would necessarily mean the school is a McDojo. Fair enough, Brian. Keep in mind i did say that one or two of these things does not make a McDojo. I would agree that a 9 belt system is not excessive. However, there are ATA dojos that have far more than that. It just depends on the franchise owner. I haven't seen many ATA schools lately, so I don't know what changes have been made. If they've added belt colors, I'm a bit shocked. My old instructor just got his 5th degree in the ATA, so I'll have to ask him a bit about it. If they have, then that's too bad. One of the good things about the ATA is that they aren't afraid to make changes and try different things. One of the bad things is that at times they don't leave well enough alone. I also saw where you mentioned that 1 or 2 of your list wouldn't relegate a school to a McDojo. But, I also know the ATA gets a lot of the McDojo fingers pointed in their direction, too, and I don't know what other associations have a camouflage belt. You may be shocked to see what they do. My friend, who is a BJJ purple at my instructor's school and a 5th degree ATA, teaches at his instructor's ATA school. He tells me all the time he only does it for the extra money. They guarntee a rank promotion every 3 months. They have 18 belts before black belt. Basically, each of the 9 ranks has a belt that's half one color and half the next. They also give out stripes to each belt. The stripes are just pieces of electrical tape and the school charges the students $50 to "test" for them. The only contracts they offer are 1 and 3 years in length. That's my experience with the ATA. But I'm understanding to the idea that it's a franchise. So the head of the association really has little or no control over what's done in the individual schools. The sad part is, this guy has 5 ATA schools in the area and his son has 2 of his own. Needless to say, he gives your association a horrible reputation in the area. That's really too bad to hear. There are a lot of good things about the ATA, too. There are some good instructors out there, and some good Martial Artists out there, too. I don't like the idea of guaranteed rank promotions at all. If there is a guarantee, then its not a testing, in my book.

1/24/2013 Range: use of force review, and a little bit of shooting. We did shooting and malfunction drills with gloves on, which was fun. 1/25/2013 Wrestling drill with Kendall. Worked on standing switch for about 10 minutes. I've taken to writing notes down at his practices now, so I pick out a few things for us to work on at home. It makes me wish there was an adult Wrestling club! 1/26/2013 Yoo Sin practice: waving kicks through to crescent/slap/side kick section.

I hope the surgery goes well! Stay positive, and listen to the doc. I think your club will survive, and when you return, the renewed energy will feed everyone there. I'd say get back in and observe as soon as you can, but keep yourself limited on the physical stuff.

The problem here is that action is faster than reaction. So your block is always behind the attack. Not a good place to be. I think the "there is no first strike in Karate" is one of the most misinterpreted and misunderstood maxims out there.

I'd look to see who appears to be getting asked the most questions, who is offering the most feedback or advise, or appears to be the most observant of the bunch. I think someone should stick out, for the most part. If all else fails, I just ask someone later who I talk to about class schedules.

Do Kyokushin stylists tend to get up on the ball of their support leg like Thai kickers do, or do they keep more of a flat, solid sole, like many Karate or TKD stylists?

First off, welcome! When it comes to training, you really just have to dive right in. Don't worry about your current condition, because adding MA training to your days can only bring about improvement! As for answering whether Karate would be right for you or not, its really tough for any of us to answer that. Every school is different, even within styles, and each style has a bit of a different approach. Start with Karate, and see how it grows with you. It may be for you, or, you may grow to the point where you want to seek a different aspect of training. That's what the MA journey is all about. Go and enjoy!

Welcome to KF, Jose!

Welcome aboard, Paul! Glad to have you.