bushido_man96

That sounds like it was a good time! I'd suggest to go to as many of those kinds of outings as you can; meeting new people through training is always fun.

It sounds to me like the person ranting on needs to check his/her priorities. I'd be willing to bet a person like that doesn't keep steady jobs anyways, and has likely experienced a divorce. But, if that person is happy with that, then power to them. I just can't imagine that being a happy existence.

I think if you only did kata, then you have a unique form of calesthenics or aerobic work, and nothing more. I think its important to have more than just kata; after all, you need a second person and a form of sparring to apply the applications of the forms.

I am a proponent of using the language of the area you live in, as opposed to the native language of the country the style came from.

Welcome to KF!

Welcome!

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Welcome back!

Welcome to KF!

There was a book on Jogo Do Pau through Chivalry Bookshelf that I had wanted to pick up, but never did yet. I don't think it was too pricey, either. I have read in some of the Western style books I have how some weapons systems started with the staff, and many techniques of the staff transferred to the sword styles they went on to work with. I believe the oak staff was also a common weapon kept by priests, too.

I think it would be hard to teach, and not work towards betterment. Teaching offers new challenges every time I step on the floor, whether its with a group of 4-7 year olds, or adult black belts.

I did ATA Taekwondo. Its how I got my start in the MAs. The ATA is a franchise, but that doesn't mean McDojo. You can't relegate every TKD school as a McDojo, just because the ATA is a big organization. The JKA is a big organization, too, but nobody titles it as a McDojo.

I think its just an Americanization. I don't think anyone is trying to butcher it; its just how they see it and read it.

8/6/2012 I was really sore for several days after those leg cranks, so I toned them down a bit to build up to doing more. 1/2 JC Leg Cranks Squats: 24 Lunges: 12 each leg 1 minute rest between. Stretch: seated straddle, left and right, butterfly, ham and quad stretches while standing.[/u]

I've noticed that the problem in the MAs when it comes to forming something new, is that the style that brought them along sees them as somehow disloyal, and so they get offended. It often becomes political in nature, and separations occur. I do think that if someone starts up something new, then it should be given a chance, and looked at to see what they offer, how they present it, and what their credentials are in doing so.

Not many hand strikes in TKD: not true. In fact, there are more hand strikes then types of kicks, when you get down to it. MAs only come from the East: there are so many great Western styles. Just because there aren't uniforms, bowing, and a foreign language involved, doesn't mean it isn't an MA.

I know a lot of people don't like the contract idea, and immediately attach the McDojo label to an MA school that has them. Personally, if I know its something I want to do, I would rather sign a contract, that way, I can pay electronically, and not worry about whether I am paid up for a month or not. To me, its just easier, and all I have to worry about doing is showing up for class. Contracts are not always bad; they are merely convenient. Much the way a debit card is more convenient than writing a check, or worrying about carrying cash on you all the time.

The hips connect the lower body to the upper body, and use of the hips helps transfer power from the ground up through the body, into the tool you will use to strike. Hips are good.

I have not made the distinction of impact, as you mention it. I see impact as the result of the strike, instead, but I can see where you are coming from.

I don't think the gi is being disrespected; what you do have, are some kids with some uncontrolled actions, and it sounds like the instructor(s) need to get things under control. How old are the kids do the meditation? Depending on the age, I don't think I would try to introduce a concept like that. Kids just don't have the attention span for it.

To me, and I'm not wanting to sound like the biggot here, because I don't think of myself as a biggot, but depending on what the alternate lifestyle is, it might make a difference to me. If I found out the instructor was smoking dope, it would probably affect whether or not I attend that school. It would also affect if I sent my kids to the school; other things might come into play, as well. The same sex relationship thing, would just depend to me. If the instructor was trying to use the MA class to push their beliefs on the students, then I would probably consider not going there. If they did not do anything other than teach MAs, then I would probably not let it bother me. It would just depend on the situation. I think its easy to say "to each their own," but I do have my core beliefs, morals and ethics, of what I believe is right or wrong, and if someone tried to push some different beliefs on my family in that respect, then I would take that into consideration in regards to attending or not.

When I am striking, I'm usually thinking of penentrating with the strike. I do like the idea of the push on joint manipulations; I had never thought of it that way before, but that makes good sense. But when I strike, I'm not usually looking to just push someone away, but at times, it can be useful.

I think it tends to get easy to forget to thank someone, when you do something every day or every few days that just tends to be the normal grind for us. I know I just tend to take it for granted. Great post, Bob.

Congrats!

I don't doubt that at all.