bushido_man96

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.

I've run over small trees in a HUMVEE. Let's see your Caddy do that! I need space for me, my lady and a few guns...that's it. I would try to cobble onto one of those Chevy Suburbans that are refitted and modified to be security escort vehicles. I would especially try to find one with the gattling gun that pops out the top. They would suck on gas milage, but I'll take firepower over MPGs any day!

It depends on the extent to which the style was studied before the techniques are "taken." Several styles can be studied for years at a time, and then the Bruce Lee motto of "take what is useful, discard the rest" can be applied. So I'd say this can vary.

I haven't seen any of them, so I wouldn't know for sure. I've heard mixed reviews on them. It probably has more to do with finding the right Systema instructor.

I think you can plan a trip to train at a Shaolin Temple in China, if you do some looking. Keep in mind, though, that its likely to be more like current Wu-Shu training than what the Shaolin monks of old would have been doing.

Sorry I'm just getting back to this. Got side tracked a while back... The "gaps" can be filled in relatively well by studying through live training along with the translations. No, its not the same as having it passed on, and its a shame we miss out on that, but its still an effective way of finding out how it was done. The biggest thing to keep in mind is to realize that in a fight, using common sense and not getting hung up on fanciness or complications will lead to the effective way of combat.

I agree. Even though restraunts have to follow certain rules, you still get a bad experience every once in a while. Same with Martial Arts schools. Its up to the consumer to do the research into the product they are seeking. Its getting to the point where people don't want to do their legwork anymore, because its expected that everything will be good and plentiful in the land of milk and honey. The problem is that this is not the case, and milk does spoil over time. I don't like what McDojos and mail-order black belt courses do, either, but I know enough to understand that they are likely a scam, so don't fall into the trap. Its something others have to figure out for themselves. And likewise, they aren't a threat to me, because I believe in the product I can provide, and therefore, feel that is all I need.