bushido_man96

Classical may be the better term, Dobbersky. And cheers, Bob! I appreciate it.

Yes, Danielle, very nice post. The best explanation I have read of it. As mentioned earlier, the biggest problem is that most places are putting too much emphasis on the up and down motion. I do the ITF forms (well, most of them) in my style of TKD, but we don't use any sine wave - sensei8 can attest to that. We prefer to use body twist, via the hips, to generate the power. And like DWx mentioned, when moving from stance to stance and technique to technique, there is going to be some natural sine wave. Hopefully the school you attend doesn't over-emphasize it, as that is the quickest way to kill the rhythm of a form, in my opinion.

He is probably in his 70s by now. I had just recently heard he was the new GM in the ATA. From what I recall, the GM's form is basically a form made by taking pieces of all the other ATA forms and putting them together. Its not every ATA form, but parts from each one. That said, no, it wasn't the most visually impressive display I've ever seen. I doubt that my form is, either. I think there is also a fast involved along the culmination of attaining the GM rank in the ATA. There is a lot to it. Fasting is one thing I would never force myself to do.

I was required to write a thesis as part of the requirement for my instructor certification when I was with the ATA. I still have it, and go back to look it over from time to time. My current instructor now requires a one-pager from black belt test candidates, titled, "What Does Getting My Black Belt Mean To Me?" I think its a good idea. I believe our GM now requires something similar upon testing for master rank.

From when we practiced it, Bob, I think I like the blocking/bracing movement, prior to becoming a grab.

It can be tough to break ties with those who we feel have become a part of our lives. But, in the end, its important to make a decision that you will benefit from. Sometimes, it can be a hard choice. You could speak with your instructor and tell her your thoughts; this may help you feel better about your feelings, especially by being up front about them. In the end, the choice is yours alone, and it really isn't for anyone else to say if it is right or wrong.

I don't train in Karate, but I have trained in Aikido, which uses seiza, and at advanced ranks, has defenses performed from seiza position. I still don't care for it. Its uncomfortable, and places strain on my knees I really don't need. I just don't care for it. If some do, that's fine. Its just not for me.

Make sure you are getting your base foot pivoted around to between 90 and 180 degrees. This will help open your hips up as well.

A few things to offer. 1, yes, LEO's get to carry guns, but we don't get to use them for every scenario. 2, after the guy had the suspect locked up, I'm not sure what assistance his partner could have offered that wouldn't have been more of a hinderance to him.

Watching this shows me how much I really don't know about what's going on in there. So many subtle details to learn.

I didn't vote, as I have no real experience in the BJJ game to realize if what I am saying in regards to them, in learning, training, or executing, would be factual or not. With that said, I can see the arguments for the article writer, and that tallgeese makes. Therefore, I think meeting in the middle would provide the answer for both: 1. Train these techniques. Do so under very close supervision, and in a very controlled setting, like in some series that would end in a leglock. That way, students get used to seeing them, feeling them, and doing and defending them. 2. Use rules in rolling/sparring to restrict them from certain ranks, unless you plan to spend time on them specifically, to work them out, and there again, make sure to slow it down, and keep everyone in check in the sparring. Now, like I said, I have no experience in BJJ, so I could be blowing a lot of smoke here, because saying is a lot easier than doing. But I know if it were me, I'd like to be learning everything that I could, and defend everything that I could.

I agree that burnout can be a factor to consider. However, I think you've made a step in the right direction by limiting to 60 days; you know there is an end, and therefore, I think you can keep yourself motivated through that end. As far as overtraining goes, your body will tell you that. Soreness will be natural, and should pass after the first week, most likely, as your body adjusts. The body is quite capable of amazing things. The mind usually gets in the way. But, if you find yourself sore for a month or so, and your technical training suffers to the point where you could be risking injuring yourself or a training partner, then you are likley overtraining, and should take some days to rest and recover. Then, you may need to re-evaluate your training regimine to something your body can handle.

What do you mean by "all the right techniques?" This jumped out at me, and I would like to hear your elaboration.

I've had the run through of pepper spray. I will never carry it, or ever try to use it. I just don't think it is that reliable. I don't have anything against not hurting someone as much as possible, however, if someone puts my safety at stake, I will surely not hold their's in high regard.

Thanks! Its always good to follow up> Yes it is. It helps me to make sure I'm being honest with myself, and keeping myself in check.

Totally agree. without the technique being varified by a qualified instructor as Injuries can occur etc. body mechanics work in a different way than the best discription! Application of techniques HAVE to be able to be changed as you can't guarantee where your attacker will "land" I don't disagree with you guys here. But, if there is no other choice but to learn from media of different kinds, or don't learn at all, what would you do? Not learn at all? Not even try?

It is hard for us to know what the approaches of the styles around you are. There may be a very combative-oriented TKD school, or an Olympic-style sparring one. The Hapkido school may be right up your alley, or you may find it gets too fancy. MMA sparring may be what you are looking for in hand-to-hand interaction with other participants, but they may have competition goals you don't share. My point is this. If you want to try something different from your current style, go watch any classes that you can in your area to see if anyone is offering what you seek. We can all banter here and tell you what we do, or prefer, but we can't help you with what's in your area. Only you can go do the leg work to check them all out. If I were you, that's where I would start. Let us know how your search goes, and welcome to KF.

I believe balance refers mainly when a body is static. To retain balance in motion requires agility, I remember my basic sports performance pedagoy. Therefore, I feel that this can only be achieved by practicing techniques while opposing forces are messing with us. I think if we don't establish balance, then it is difficult to establish an effective defensive posture. Hard to block shots while you are falling down. I feel this again can be mainly affected through agility training. After all, a fight isn't like playing solitare. Lack of preparation in any juncture places the blame squarely on our own shoulders. By practicing against opposing forces and learning to maintain agility, we can help ourselves minimize the times when it is our fault, and help us learn how to recover.

If I got the supplies for my own home dojang, I'd be stoked.

The good news, Bob, is that the NFC East is so up in the air that they have as good a shot as the Giants at making it in.

When was the last time you tried to be "gentle" in a fight or confrontation? Did it work well?

Mirrors on a wall or two, some nice floor mats. That's it.

Thanks everyone!

Do you think Karate would be better without it? If so, I'd like to understand your reasoning why. Sojobo I do, because I think that there are more important positions to develop skills from than being on the knees. I also think that just because it was a popular way to sit in the days of feudal Japan, doesn't necessarily lend itself to being meaningful in our current day and age. I've real all you've said about it developing posture and what not, but in using some of tallgeese's examples of other styles that don't train it, I don't think it adds anything of value that can't be learned by observing proper posture in other combative stances and positions.

Another way to put it to practice is to have a partner practice the movements slowly with you, so you can get a better feel in reacting to someone else's stimuli.