bushido_man96

Thanks for this explanation, tallgeese. I've now added two more books to my "need" list.

Reality Based Self-Defense. There are several different organizations out there that are available. You could look into Tony Blauer or Hock Hockheim for some starters.

Good luck!

Agreed. Its just a different TKD organization, and they have their own set of forms and curriculum, and they have their own tournament cirucuit as well.

In my opinion, weapons need to be learned in combination with another person, holding a weapon as well. About the only traditional weapons forms I've had training with are using Jo in Aikido. They were pretty straight-forward, with not many fancy attacks. They were directed and focused jabs, strikes, swings at a target on the body or as a defense against an incoming Jo strike. However, these forms were also complimented with two-person work, which is essential in actually learning and understanding what it is you are doing in the form. Is the Jo useful to learn? Well, its a big stick, and one could carry a walking stick around, or easily keep several throught the house. But, still, this is a bit of a situational stretch. Is anything equivalent to a "form" used in Escrima training, or is mostly paired work and drills? I've read a book on Escrima, but saw nothing on any kind of forms. Like a handgun. In most areas, its easier to get a concealed carry liscense and buy a hand gun to carry around than it would be to carry the traditional weapons mentioned above. I think its interesting that some people would choose to spend hours per week learning to use a weapon such as those mentioned above that would have a scant chance at being available if needed, but don't want to buy and learn how to properly handle a handgun.

I think this is something that tends to be a point against Karate when it comes to those who begin to question its effectiveness. I commend you for this. My question, then, is how do you define what you teach?

My question is why wouldn't it be? I do agree that it can be difficult to define "complete" as well, and it goes a bit further than to say "having a little bit of everything." The other concern I have is why can't Karate evolve and change? It would seem to me to be a benefit if it did; keep the old, add the new.

Welcome to KF!

I do agree with Liver Punch. I see all the time now names and pictures of guys we've dealt with in the past that are now said to be training in MMA and stuff like that. Knowledge is power, for sure. Staying aware can keep you alive.

Congrats!

I'd have to put a sandbag together. There was a guy in the gym the other day that had some Olympic lifting experience, and he showed me how to do the snatch. I may start adding that in, it just depends on what days and how much.

9/9/2011 Forms Naifanchi: 2 times Yoo Sin: 3 times. Time to get geared up to test. Weekly stats Weight: 253 lbs BF%: 30.4% BMI: 38.5 SL 5x5A Squats: warmup: 45x5x2, 135x5, 205x3, 225x2; work: 310x5x5 Bench press: warmup: 45x5x2, 135x5, 155x3, 175x2; work: 205x5x5 Barbell rows: warmup: 75x5x2, 95x3, 105x2; work: 130x5x5 Power clean and press: 130x5 Dips: 5x5 Stretch: standing/kneeling quads, front/twist/side kick bar stretch, seated knee hugs, toe touches, seated back twist, chest/bis/tris. Had to deload on bench press and barbell rows. I also decided to add the press to the power clean, and I really like that. One set of 5 really tires me out there. 9/12/2011 SL 5x5A Squats: warmup: 45x5x2, 135x5, 205x3, 225x2; work: 315x5,5,5,3,2 Bench press: warmup: 45x5x2, 135x5, 155x3, 175x2; work: 210x5x5 Barbell rows: warmup: 75x5x2, 95x3, 105x2; work: 135x5x5 Power clean and press: 135x5 Dips: 5x5 Stretch: standing/kneeling quads, front/twist/side kick bar stretch, toe touches, seated knee hugs, seated back twist, chest/bis/tris. A guy at the gym today with some Olympic lifting experience showed me how to do the Olympic Snatch. I may have to try that one out, too. He also showed me the difference between the power clean I do and the Olympic version. Really good stuff.

I say it "tie." Always have. I've heard it said as "tay" as well. Which is supposed to be right?

True, but also for having a great product that has show itself to be effective in multiple setting many times. Like more Machitas in the UFC? I agree with tallgeese's assesment here. BJJ made its mark when Royce was winning. More Machidas wouldn't hurt Karate's cause at all.

I don't really think Karate's time is up (or any traditional style, for that matter). It does, however, clearly have to compete with MMA now. And this isn't a bad thing, either. If people would rather do MMA than a traditional style, then so be it. I think that when it comes to the more traditional styles, the "intrinsic" values are the deciding factor for many who choose what Art to take up when they do take one up. Personally speaking, I don't need to be soliliquized about how my traditional training will make me a better person, will make me more disciplined, and all that other stuff. Some people just want to learn how to fight, or how to defend themselves well. That is where the appeal of MMA comes in, as opposed to a more traditional style. There is also the appearance that the results come faster, which may make it more appealing. I think these are the aspects that affect the decision making process when someone is searching for a Martial Art to study. Fifty years ago, Karate was what was available. Now, there is so much more available.

I don't know, my judo experience has really opened the door for me on so many of these moves. After all, the human body can only grab and throw another human body in so many ways. Your kata is either in sync with one of them or it isn't. With most of the styles present now, we can see that specialization has taken place over the years. Judo took to specializing in throws, and Karate tended to take a specialization in striking. I do think the two brought together would only be beneficial to a Martial Artist. And after a time of the curriculum being refined and worked on, it would eventually become its own style, and not two styles put together.

Nicely done!

I'm not familiar with this; first time I've heard of it. But, I'm not a big fan or believer in things like destiny, karma, or other things like that.Could you expound on the concept a bit more?

Well, not actually. Yes, this is the case. Over the years, many styles have added more belt levels, but the concept of the belt depicting rank is an eastern idea.

That's a tough deal. Like the others have recommended, try to look around and see what else there is available. Maybe you will find something else that suits you well. Welcome to the Forums, as well.

I've never really been too an MA "camp." I've been to several different seminars, but never a camp.

Very nicely done! I loved the humor in it. Definitely made the story better.

Sorry Ueshiro, I don't know your location and I'm old school net enough that I tend not to pry. But, go herehttp://www.thearma.org/ and see if you can find a training group. Even if there isn't one listed where you are, you used to be able to just e-mail the groups and they would put you in touch with someone close by. Nearest organized group was 2 hours from home back when I checked into things last. But, you may be luckier than I was and find someone close by. No problem. I couldn't find a link on the website for a study group. Anyway, I really wouldn't have the time to study, but it would be nice to see it. That's the website I was going to recommend. Lots of good resources there, and they have a list of books published by its members, who are always studying and learning. They also have info on setting up a study group and things like that. They have seminars throughout the year, in major metro areas, that you might get lucky enough to check out. I try to but the books put out by their members, because they are great resources. Chivalry Bookshelf and Paladin Press also have great books authored by Medieval Martial Artists. I used to have the website you have listed bookmarked, as well. I think that group is primarily located in Europe, though, but can't recall.

I know this is an old thread, but since it has been posted on some lately, I thought I would address this. Weapons are useful because, as tallgeese would say, they are a force multiplier. Someone who isn't a knife fighter can still cut you in a fight with a knife. Skill is great when it comes to weapons, but not necessary when it comes to doing damage. And most people who get cut in a fight, don't realize it when it happens. If the sword is drawn when the encounter begins, start looking for something to use as a shield. If you couldn't run, for some reason, then start looking into your level of situational awareness. If you have to engage the weapon, then you would likely want to get inside the weapon's arc, which means you want to get to the hands of the guy holding it. Then, you have to get it away. Hopefully, the sword bearer concentrates on his sword more at this point, and you can rain down blows about his head and shoulders while he is trying to cut you or get you off his weapon. End it fast, get them distracted, and then get away. Hopefully those would work for you.

What constitutes "traditional," anyway? Just this year, the football coach at my daughters high school started a "new tradition." So, it has to start somewhere, and then it has to go on for some time and be upheld (for lack of a better word) in order for it to become tradition. Right?