bushido_man96

Nice article, Bob. I like to think of the search for perfection as the rule of math that states you can keep halving things in front of 0 on the number line, and although you get infinitely closer to 0, you never quite reach it.

10/18/2012 Treadmill: 20 min 29 sec, 1.5 mile walk/jog. Bike: 1 mile cool down. Stretch Naifanchi: slow walk-through, 4 times.

Thanks for that explanation, Justice. When I get a bit healthier, I will try to play with it a bit.

I've just got my copy printed. Can't wait to tear into it. Thanks, DWx! Great find.

Hey, that's just what I was thinking....!

I'm not saying that he doesn't have some decision-making issues. Some things could have went very wrong there. But, in a zero-tolerance world, sometimes things like this make me....smile when I hear them.

Thanks for explaining further. That helps me understand what you are saying. We don't really do hook punches as one of our basic techniques in TKD, but I've done them on my own for a long time, and I teach them when I get the chance to early on. I also preach a more hand's up fighting stance. These, I feel, are matters with simple solutions that would not terribly compromise what you would be doing in your Shotokan dojo.

On another note, I loved the sound that kick made when it landed. And no, I don't want to be hit with that. A note and question on technique. I am aware that the way Capoeiristas do their kicks is different from many other styles. I have tried to do hook or heel kicks that way, putting my hand on the floor, and the kick just doesn't feel right; I know the problem is I try to apply the way I do the kick standing when I put that hand down, but something doesn't come out right, and I also feel like I can kick higher my way than by putting my hand on the ground, which seems counter intuitive to me. Can either of you guys explain to me why and where I am going wrong?

Great topic idea, MP. This one is pretty simple for me. I don't think it is the job of an instructor or dojo to enhance someone's spirituality. I think many individuals believe this to be the case, but in the end, I feel the individual will eventually find what he/she is seeking, given he/she looks hard enough. If you want to seek it through kata, then that's great. I just don't want it pushed on me, and if it is, I'll just say, "oh, ok..." shrug, then move on. I'm the guy who at the beginning of Aikido class sits in seiza and looks around at everyone else breathing and meditating. To me, that's time wasted that could be improving technique.

These individuals should be dealt with in sparring....

I agree with DWx's case by case analysis of the rank. There is nothing set in stone that only adults can earn black belt ranks. Its been common practice for a long time, and when someone finally said kids can be black belts, too, it just hasn't come off well for everyone. We see all kinds of amputees and other physically and metally handicapped individuals earn black belts. I don't see why kids can't.

I'm glad for you and your daughter to be training together.

I want to thank everyone for their input so far. You've made this discussion into exactly what I was hoping for.

10/17/2012 AM session, only half and hour today. One session to go.

I did Taekwondo for a while, and you're right, it gets that sort of rap, really viewed as ineffective fighting - the trick is to do it right; I wasn't, so I wasn't really kicking hard, just fast, my kicks were basically slaps but then I started Muay Thai and Capoeira and my kicks are now insanely strong - easily my strongest suit in sparring. But my Taekwondo training really helped me build my kick foundation. I'm not sure why I typed all this - I guess I'm missing Taekwondo a little bit. One day I'll go back and get my black belt. Don't fret it man; thanks for sharing your thoughts here. As a TKD guy, I've always appreciated Capeoira, and would love to give it a go sometime.

That also helps to explain why none of the masters that went on to found TKD and other Korean kwans didn't do any bunkai for their Shotokan forms, or their future forms.

I think the emphasis on the 3 K's really started being a mantra when Funakoshi was implementing Karate into schools. Those 3 K's created an easy to follow class training protocol that really got things going for the style. I can't confirm this, and if anyone else has any other solid information on it, please chime in with it. This is just an estimated guess on my part. @Drew. Good post, with some very good points. I agree with your thoughts on character development.

I agree with pitbull. Getting proficient in a smaller move set is the way to go, and then to work the scenarios over and over again.

He doesn't make me look bad. I've never met the guy, so I don't worry about what he does. The muggers were the thugs here; not the victim. I'm not saying what he did is something I would have done myself, but since he had the skill and ability to tweet a beating, then kudos to him. To me, it demonstrates the level of control he was able to exude over an opponent. I'd also like to point out that many of the Gracies probably don't adhere to the kind of spiritual and philosophical aspects of Eastern Martial Arts practitioners would. They come from a completely different society, and they embrace that. I think that's to be applauded, as well.

But what do you consider a "good, solid base?" Also, where the stand-up skills might go in favor of the KarateKa, they will likely be more equal in the ground game, which is where the "advantage" of the KarateKa could be nullified to an extent.

I'm kind of confused by this. I don't think Karate's techniques has any inability to counter these other styles. I don't think it has to do with that. I think it has more to do with the training methodologies.

Those were some very nasty knockouts.

Unfortunately, that's all I've seen as well. I'd love to do some friendly sparring against a Capoeira stylist to see the real combat style of it. Gee, Taekwondo tends to get that rap, too....

Welcome to KF. I can't offer any info on the school you attend, but if it seems like you're getting quality instruction, and you enjoy it there, then go with it for a while!

Martial Arts is Martial Arts; driving a car is driving a car. Not the same thing, and trying to compare them doesn't really do either justice. Just because it seems unsafe to teach a younger child how to do a neck crank, doesn't discount the fact that the child could attain black belt level in a style. When I teach adults, I make sure they understand to use their judgement, and avoid situations in which they would fight if at all possible. I tell kids the same kinds of things; don't use your MA on the playground, and avoid fighting at all costs. Do I teach kids to punch to the throat? No. But does that mean they couldn't learn how to do that later if need be, as an adult? No. So to me, it sounds like this: "You're a kid, and so your punch to the body, knife hand strike to the body, or to the head." "Ok, so now your 16. Let me show you the secrets of how to kill with Karate. Instead of punching the body or the head, punch to the throat. Aim your knife hand strike to neck. Now, you are ready to be a full dan grade." Perhaps I am over simplifying things, but this is how I read the reasons others give in holding back junior grades.