bushido_man96

If I remember correctly, the number 9 is quite significant/important to the Korean's. It makes since that the ATA would honor that by having a 9 belt system. Yes, Bob, that is correct. The ATA did a lot of things with the number nine, like the number of colored belt forms, the first one having 18 moves, 1st dan having 81 moves, and things like that. They wanted to do Korean cultural symbolism and the like.

You are welcome, Bob. My pleasure!

Ah, cool. Thanks for the info there. It isn't unlikely that Capoeira is something all its own that evolved after the arrival in the Americas.

Eh, I don't let dan bars bother me. If we are going to have colored belts, then I don't see why we can't have dan bars. I don't think they are that big an issue. This would fall under what Bob would refer to as "the proof is on the floor." The floor doesn't lie. As we consider this, I think its important to realize that some are better at some things, and others at other things. Like forms and sparring. I tend to be good at forms, and I think I could handle myself fight wise if I needed to. But, I'm not some super sparring strategist, nor could I fight for 3 three minute rounds. So, if that would change the idea of what my rank should be in your eyes, then so be it. But, I know how I add up within my organization and school, so, I wouldn't let someone else's opinion bother me too much. So, its going to be different no matter where you go.

Solid post! I can think of several moves and concepts I've learned over the years and initially thought were useless/don't work for me. Yet, as my skill increased (and of those around me as well) I ended up using the very things I had thought were unnecessary. Had I just thrown them away, I may never have been able to step up to the next level each time. When I see the "throw away" line from Bruce Lee, it usually makes me think of forms. Although Lee was familiar with forms early on in his training, it is well documented how he felt about forms in the latter part of his training, along with the "aliveness" aspect he wanted so much out of training. Along with that, we see how certain styles are always bound to the curriculum they teach, be it forms, one-steps, a certain way to spar, etc. I think these are mainly the things Lee didn't like, and are likely the root of his "throw away" quote.

Does Capoeira have roots in Africa? Could it be that it comes from some root of this Dambe? Just throwing an idea out there to toy with. Thanks for sharing this with us. I'll make sure to check the vids when I have more time.

In the ATA, we had a camoflauged belt rank; it was 6th gup, I think. They wanted a 9 belt system, and it was another color to add. It also fit with their belt philosophies, too.

The thing about a lineage is that it has to start somewhere. Whether its 300 years ago or 30 days ago, it has to start. I think what is most important is that it is honest and not engineered. I don't care how old it is, really. It has to be honest. Beyond that, whatever is being taught needs to be competent and practical, and taught well. After that, lineage is just a window dressing, really.

I don't think a club has to belong to a style. But, in the view of the greater amount of stylists that are a part of a style, wonder where the credentials, the qualifications, the training, and all that comes with it come from. Is this some freelancer? Is he credible? I think thats what bothers many people, especially those who are tied to a "brand name" for lack of a better term. The big issue, is the credibility coming into question. I know that not everyone feels this way, but I think its the driving force behind why many look for a link to a style.

I think "Taekwon Do" as a name is pretty interesting. Or at least the way the name came about. Obviously at that time, the Kwan leaders really did not want to be calling their art "Karate" because they didn't want to be associated with the Japanese. Do you go back to the Chinese influence and call it "Tang Soo Do" (as the Moo Duk Kwan did), "Kong Soo Do" or do you come up with a new word(s) to describe what you're doing? So in 1955 you get the leaders of the Kwans to meet in a kisaeng house and the name "Taekwon Do" is born. "Tae Kwon" conveniently can be related to "T'aekkyon" and Gen. Choi all but forced the other Kwans to use it. Yeah, it is an intersting story. Gen. Choi really kind of muscled his way around with it. Hwang Kee didn't care for it at all, and thus Tang Soo Do stayed around. Which I think is great, too. Can't say as I recall it either, Bob. I do think I've heard of it before. Or, we could just use an English name.....

Thanks Jay, I appreciate it. I'm glad to know that you really enjoyed the proof on the floor segment...it's something I live by. I felt that my guest spot was fine, even though I felt it a bit disjointed at times. That's probably because that was my very first live interview...I was pretty nervous. The LiveStream was pretty interesting and quite fun...I loved the entire experience. Thanks for sharing this, Bob. I think its great. I also enjoyed your explanation of "the proof is on the floor." I know you have an article on it, but an article can't relate the expressions one gives when actually speaking. And by the way, your interview was pretty good, I though.

I've got a teenage daughter who is not interested in TKD at all. So, I don't push her. She started there when she was young, but it just wasn't for her. I hope my two boys get into it, but I will not force them to do so...I want them to find their own way through life, including the fun things. If they are just wanting a small break, let them take it. Maybe a few weeks, maybe a month. Then see if they want to go back. If they do, great; if not, then its time to move on. Maybe later they'll figure out that it was worth more to them and go back.

I don't have a webcam right now, either, but I think that this would be an interesting way to train. Instead of doing forms or such, it would be great to train with partners on different tactics and ideas from MAs, and if several from the same style get together, then the forms idea would be great. I like this idea, Bob. I'll have to look into clearing a spot in my basement for all this!

Cool, please let us know.

Ditto x2!

Thank you for this experience, Patrick! This was a great time, and it was fun to hear everyone talk!

Thanks for the kind words, tallgeese. I've felt the same about you being here. I've always enjoyed seeing the way you approach matters, and although our backgrounds are different, knowing the difference between how the styles I've studied approach things are and listening to the way you've approached things has always held my interest, and has challenged me to step outside of my traditional box and try new things. I also enjoy ps1's postings. His posts are always filled with good information, and his experiences from his different styles and the way he contrasts them in a no-nonsense way are always refreshing. Joesteph and sensei8 are two posters that I met in a different forum, but have always posed good information from the time I've met them. We are kind of like "the three amigos" from our time at the other forum, and I think its great that we are all able to post our stuff here at KF. I also enjoy Danielle's information because we study a similar style taught in pretty different ways, and I've learned a lot from her. tonydee also had great info on Korean styles from a different perspective that were always great reads. From years back, Sohan provided some good information, and Shotokan-kez was a great example of what the spirit of KF is. There are so many others I know I am leaving out, and please don't be offended or feel slighted because I have not mentioned you. I'm sure I'll end up adding to this list after I hit submit. The fact of the matter is, though, that there have been and are currently so many great contributors here that its impossible to list them all.

I'd like to know what the hardest part of the whole process was for you in the beginning, and what is now.

Agreed, MP, and very valid points. Gun disarms are a struggle, a tug-of-war in the worst sense. That's why I say striking should be a part of gun disarming. Hit them as hard as you can, as fast as you can, as many times as you can so they let got of that gun.

Looking forward to seeing that gun disarm video, GroinStrike. 5/26/2011 2.2 mile walk. Wife, 5 year old boy, and the dogs went with us. Beautiful night for a walk.

Congrats, Heidi! Your posts are always great, and your example as a sensei has been more than helpful to me.

I'd say you are on the right track. The important thing to look at when you practice is to have the shooter PULL THE TRIGGER and see where and if you get hit. If you keep getting hit, then something isn't working. Also, keep the techniques simple. Don't get elaborate and fancy; your dealing with life and death here. Also, think about where you will be directing the muzzle of the weapon, and who might get caught in the crossfire.

Cool, thanks tallgeese. Yeah, if you'd email that to me, I'd appreciate it. My DT partner and I could start playing with it, and maybe he can incorporate it into his training as well, if you wouldn't mind.

I've seen some other places kind of like this, too, but more of an undergrad thing, and Karate was included as well as Kung Fu, I think. They also appeared to have a more structured idea of how to provide for the degree they were geared for.

Cool. Its interesting to see the friendships that have spawned her at KF.