bushido_man96

Very interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing it!

I agee ps1, I don't buy it either. Perhaps this is the case. But, you can look down the road (since we are talking about a journey) of each, and see which gets you to where you want to be faster, i.e., being able to defend yourself effectively, or what have you. Now, that isn't to say that "I want my Martial Arts in a Happy Meal bag, ready to go right now, so I can have it and be done with it." That's not what I am saying. When it comes to discussions like this, the proponents of the "lifelong journey" often make cases of getting somewhere fast, and then not having a foundation to build on, or they think they've found it all, and have nothing left to search out. That just isn't the case. The case is that when training is efficient and focused, then by arriving at one place in the journey sooner, allows one to continue down other avenues sooner. I don't like to put it all into a time frame, but the fact that time matters is a point that really can't be argued. There are only so many hours in a day, and we can only do so much, and eventually, our time runs out. So, time is a factor, unfortunately. I have no problems with anyone who wants to delve into cultural ideals and historic bases of different MA disciplines. But I do think that the fact of the matter is that there are some disciplines that have changed and updated their training routines and regimines that do make their learning curve smaller, and therefore, may be a more efficient training method.

If you want to speak the language, then I would suggest perhaps the Rosetta Stone program. I've heard they are really good. As for writing it, you would need to find someone familiar with the language, or a resource that can familiarize you with it. Not sure what to tell you there, other than trying a Google search.

Those are some good thoughts. Perhaps teaching kids a use-of-force continuum should be something to consider. Scratch that....use-of-force continuum would be good to teach ALL Martial Arts students. All too often I hear the arguement of "being tried by 12 as opposed to carried by 6." There is some good insight from that statement, but, it doesn't mean that we as Martial Artists should throw reason to the wind, and just go with the standard "he started it, so I finished it" clause.

Weight training isn't likely your problem. Just not doing MAs is more likely the problem, and lack of stretching. I'd keep with the lifting, add a stretching routine, and then find a school to get into. Best of luck to you!

Wait until you can punch the bag without hurting the bruise on the knuckles before getting back to it. It may not sound good, but that's why this kind of training isn't highly advisable. Now, you have down time that won't help you improve. You can punch the air, though. In the future, control how much you punch the bag, or use wraps or gloves. Training equipment like that was invented to make training better and longer.

You seem to be all alone here, Alex! I've been sick, so I hope to get back into training soon.

Yes it is. There is so much out there, and anyone can put anything out there, without any kind of credence.

Journey, yes. One can meander about, or one can have a map and a goal. Yes, to each their own, for sure. But, not all things are equal.

I believe you can do both - you just need to train hard and have a very good sensei. Sojobo I don't agree that both can be done. There are better ways to accomplish some things than others. Its like driving a Model T to get from point a to b in comparison to driving a Cadillac of today. They can both get you there, but the Cadillac is much more efficient.

I doubt it, but we'll see.

Nice.

Welcome to KF!

Welcome to the Forums. Sorry to hear about your injuries. I wish you a speedy and full recovery so you can get back to your MA training.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome to KF!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome, Jason. I have experience with the ATA as well. Depending on the school you find, you can get good or bad. The ATA does have some good programs out there. As far as the training on your own to get back into shape before rejoining a class, I would forego that, and just find a class to join up with. That training will likely whip you back into shape quicker than doing so on your own, and the training may be more focused, too. Best of luck to you in finding your training!

haha funny you should say that.. I've always wondered if any of you guys had ever attempted armbar-ing a pole or something and seeing if you could bent it. Think it was Rickson Gracie that armbarred a crash test dummy on Fight Science... A lot of old stories say that Masahiko Kimura practiced his throws on a tree. With how crazy he was about Judo, and how crazy good he was at Judo, I wouldn't doubt it. This is true but it didn't involve much pain. This is done today on poles, and cages in the gym. Probably not what everyone assumes. When I was in junior college, we had some Wreslters there that were from Israel, I think, and they used some big elastic bands they wrapped around a tree or a pole or other fixed object to practice Wrestling throws with. Is this similar to what he did?

I have the same issue with these pressing blocks. I don't see much practicality in them, especially as blocks.

I don't have a problem at all with historic preservation. I do have a problem when those preserving history like that then argue for its effectiveness of efficency after its time has passed.

Knowledge and size can both be dangerous things. What happens when you put them together?

Why at 18? Why the difference?

Also important in flexibility is having strength in your legs, too. If your legs are not strong, then flexibility will do you no good. Must have a good balance of the two.

Good luck!