bushido_man96

It is very much an individual endeavor, even though we tend to be surrounded by many other stylists in our endeavors.

I will keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers, Bob.

The only issue I have here is that forms training is not conducive to all styles, like Judo and BJJ, for example. I know that Judo has some kata, but it isn't used like the forms of Karate and TKD. Another thing is that in sparring, one probably uses well under half the techniques learned through the forms. X-style blocks rarely get used, and high blocks rarely get used in sparring. And I still haven't got to use that crescent kick/slap the hand/into the side kick application/combination in sparring. I like the idea of the "platoon" tactics. But, I wouldn't call it platoon tactics as much as I would refer to them as a platoon training tool. Just like Funakoshi did with forms when he started training larger groups. Its easier to line everyone up and call out a cadence that everyone has to follow. Another thing good about this is that instead of using regular old calesthenics like jumping jacks, push-ups, etc, they are training moves like punches, strikes, and kicks (not as many as the blocking motions, in my opinion), that will be useful when close quarters combat arrives. Like you said earlier, when they know the forms, they can buzz through them and get a good workout in, and the forms can be done in sets and reps, too. The drawback is that in order to do the forms, the moves have to be learned to a proficient level before they can be done at decent speed.

I have to wonder at times, if this isn't the way that forms were put together in the first place. If they are meant to be "catalogs" or "manuals" of systems, and the moves have applications, then were they put together in an order to make a template of what worked for someone? That's my reverse-engineering way of thinking how forms came to be in the first place. Of course, we've had our discussions about the TKD forms and "bunkai" applications, and that they probably weren't put together in certain sequences based on that. So, that leaves the sequences either being for sparring combination/self-defense purposes in and of themselves, which isn't likely with all the forms, or like you mention, technical skill development. I can buy into this idea. However, there are better ways to develop these attritbutes outside of forms. Forms can help improve these things; we agree there. Perhaps the benefit of the forms work is that you get some of all, although "all" of them won't necessarily be maximized. Yet, still a good point, and an ok rationalization, I think.

Thanks Patrick. Time to go get Cleveland now!

Welcome to KF, Paul!

That is a great article, Danielle. You have made a lot of good points in there, and I agree with many of them. It was overall enjoyable to read, and I will be chiming in on some personal reflections soon. Thanks for posting it!

Great quote.

I'm not so sure about that. Thugs can be warriors, and vice versa, I'd say. Not everyone has a code of ethics, though.

Here here!

If they ask, I tell them. Its pretty much that simple. Of course, if I am in a bar and it comes up, I might ask for a bit of discretion from them.

You don't have to be in your 20s to do that stuff. Go find it, if you can!

That will depend on what it means to each person, or, on what that person intends for it to mean at that particular point in time.

Train for a living? Hell ya, sign me up!

Part of it is going to have to do with the logistics of the situation. If you each have the same or close to the same number of friends around, then the likelyhood of getting kicked by an outsider are less, because you have more people to back each other up. Now, if you wander into uncharted territory where it is one surrounded by 4 or 5, then those checks and balances won't be there.

Ok, that makes sense. I won't begrudge you that.

9-17-10 Side kicks: 15 each leg.

That is what I want my sons to do as well, Joe. Here, we have Kid's Wrestling they can start in at around age 7, and I hope to get them interested in that. At the age I started, being out of shape, it was so hard to get into everything I was learning and applying it, without always being tired. My 4 year old right now abounds with energy, and I think by getting him started early, being conditioned won't be as big a problem for him, and as long as he continues, it will offer him a chance at getting better.

Timecop was missing. I also thougth Timeline would make its way in there. And what about The Time Bandits? Loved that movie as a kid.

Man, love that week 1 win! Offense was pretty scant, aside from a Jamaal Charles breakaway. Cassel only had 68 or 62 passing yards....terrible! They O-line still needs work. But defense is going to be awesome it appears!

Way to go!

The last time I was rolling, I had one of my friends who has done it a lot telling me to relax, and as I did so, I noticed more, and wasn't as worried about getting choked, tapped, etc. That coaching helped out.

It tends to be the pinky knuckle, or the one on the third finger, or both, and I think has more to do with punching so much with gloves on and getting used to not worry about which knuckle contacts. Also, if the punch is in a hooking motion, those knuckles will tend to lag, and make the contact improperly. Its actually called a "Boxer fracture."

You don't need any kind of certification to teach. Having some credentials will be beneficial to your endeavor, though. Being a black belt is a good start. Years of experience will be another factor, etc. As for finding a building to rent at and teach out of, it can be more sticky there. Before a landlord decides to let you teach people how to fight, they might like the idea of you being credentialed in some way, affiliated with an organization, or perhaps insured in some way. Those are all things you need to check with the landlord, and perhaps any local codes or business bureaus.

The PT punishment arguement is one that has been going on for a while. I think the negative aspect of it comes from the more discouraged kids, who aren't good atheltes, who loaf to class, because they hate it and dread it, get there late, and get punished by being forced to do more of what they already hate. What needs to happen, is to get rid of that negative attitude. It usually stems from frustration of not being good, and also from demoralizing comments from those that are talented. I'm not pointing to one or the other, but neither factors help the matter. I'll be the first to admit that I am fairly out of shape. If you saw me, you'd probably not think of me as a Martial Artist. I'm 5'8" or less, and carry right around 250 lbs. This is not a good weight for me, and I know it. I've never been super active, except for a stint from my junior year in high school to my second year at junior college that I lifted more weights, and watched a bit more of what I ate, and got to taking some thyroid pills. I tried to Wrestle my 8th grade year, but I sucked at it, was out of shape, and didn't go back out after that year. Now, I wish I would have. I wish I would have tried out for football, just so I would have been in better shape, making the team be damned! Also, I'm a video game kid. Loved my Nintendo, and still do! Its not good, and I try to make sure I get exercise in. But still, I don't see results at times, and it does get discouraging. But, I keep on, and do what I can, and try to make a better lifestyle. Of course, sleeping all day and working all night doesn't help much, either.