bushido_man96

The man who taught the Gracies originally was a student of Kano's, so his style was Judo. What the Gracies did was focus more on the ground aspect, and the evolution lead to BJJ, in a nutshell, if I recall my reading properly.

One thing that I do notice about Martial Arts that especially use the rank system is that the lack of rank can affect what you are taught, and the depth of the subject matter taught to you. You will likely continue to be grouped with the rank you retain, and may not be shown other things taught to higher ranks, simply because you choose not to test.

Welcome to the Forums, and to Martial Arts! The best advise I can give is to work hard and focus. The rest will take care of itself.

Ok. It sounds like your instructor calls the Chang On forms the Pal-Gwe set, then. You may want to check with him, because that is pretty far off base. The Pal-Gwes were made by the WTF, and the Chang Ons were the set made by for the ITF by Choi and Nam.

I think at times, instead of using the term "full-contact," what I think of is more like "full-body targets." Not necessarily fighitng hard all the time, but using as many targets on the body as possible. That could just be me, though.

Another difference I've noticed in stances in TKD and Aikido is that in TKD, you can be in one stance in a form or whatever, and do several moves before moving to another stance. In Aikido, when I apply a move, its in one stance or position, and then there is a change of stance or direction if another move is applied. In Aikido, you never stand still for very long.

Keep us posted as to what the classwork entails, as well. I've done Aikido and Combat Hapkido classes, and would be interested in how JJJ goes.

I think its mostly preference.

Earning a black belt, although it is only a belt, can also be looked at as a great achievement. Its a step on the road you are on, for sure. A lot of what a black belt also is, is the perception that others see in it. I think that is where most of the power comes from; how others view it, mainly those of lower rank or with no MA experience at all. Perhaps I'd need some more background on the political aspects of your organization, but just because that guy dropped a name to you, doesn't mean you should have to change where you do your forms training in order to be eligible to test. If I were you, I would just stay on your current course, with your current teacher, and then seek permission to test. At the testing, you will be able to see how you measure up to others from your other schools. Best of luck to you in this, and I'm sorry the politics has gotten to you like this. Its kind of unfortunate, but you really can't go to any organization without there being some politics involved on some level.

Welcome to the Forums!

Ah, interesting. I will have to look into that. It would help fill the void after those late nights working.

Yeah, you're right, the Romans. My head isn't on right...

Its been really nice outside here, too, over the last couple of days. Unfortunately, the only training I've done has been in the form of walking my dogs. My back is getting a bit better, but I don't want to push it back into injury again.

If you are looking for fitness training, there are tons of things to do that will focus on fitness better than watching from a Karate video. Look into something like P90X or a general aerobics class. These things would suit your needs more appropriately.

No, not all schools are like that. There are a few bad apples out there, though. If the sensei is not making himself available for the bulk of the classes, as you mention, then you might be able to look into a breach of contract. Something to think about. The unfortunante aspect of all of this is that it will cost you time and money with an attorney, unless you are one. I wish you luck.

I see. So you do the 8 Pal-Gwe forms along with the ones you mentioned above? Do you have to know 2 forms for each testing? I've worked out with a club like that before, too.

I don't disagree with you, but why wait until you have a brown or black belt in Judo or Jiu-Jitsu? Why not start as soon as you can?

That's true. I believe the Greeks even knew this when they had fights in the Collusieum. Pit fighters also learned to entertain a bit when they fought, and fights were often unbalanced to make them interesting.

Pocket folders are great. Maybe a big flashlight that is really bright would be something not suspected, but a bit more of a pain to carry around. Car keys, but not much use in a group melee setting. The only other thing I can think of is you are Bruce Banner, and you can chuckle inside...

I understand the Wal-Mart side of this, too, but it is kind of unfortunate that these kinds of policies become more commonplace. Its like defending ourselves is becoming a bad thing, and those who do it have to be punished, like those who brought it on them. At least Wal-Mart is consistent with the enforcment of the policy. I do commend the actions of the employees, too.

Yeah, it can still happen. Right circumstances can pop up.

I am committed to studying and bettering myself and my training. I look into what I am doing, and try to make myself better. As far as "committing" myself to a "master" or my instructor, no, not going to happen. The committment I have made is to my wife and kids.

You mention these as the Pal-Gwe set, but these are actually the Chang On forms created by General Choi, except for Koryo, which I think is a WTF black belt form. The Pal-Gwe set of forms was the first set used by the WTF, before the Tae Gueks came out. So, do you do both, the Pal-Gwe and the Chang On listed here?

Its definitely a lot more circular and spherical motions than I've experienced in TKD, and even in Hapkido.

I like your references here, brickshooter. I like what Aikido can give me in regards to what I can already do with my striking ability, and as opposed to cling to the Aikido ideology of absorbing and using energy and all that, and not being offensively aggressive, I choose to look at how I can make the two work together, like using strikes to lead into Aikido concepts and techniques, or, putting a strike or a kick into some slots in the Aikido movements.