bushido_man96

8-6-10 One of the 2nd degrees in the school has been allowed to conduct a sparring class on Fridays, and I went on this Friday. We started with what he called the "5 20s," where we did 20 front leg side kicks, 20 front leg front kicks, 20 front leg round kicks (exaggerated chambering, without setting the foot down), 20 back leg outer crescents, and 20 front leg outside axe kicks. 20 minutes to get done. Next was 20 minutes to get in 4 "stations" on powerlines. I don't think I got all 4 stations in, but I was kind of doing it more informally, as I had to leave early. Last, which I didn't get to, was 20 minutes of some sparring drills, consisting of some blaster drills for offense/defense, and some more precision based kicking on paddles. I liked the class idea, but a few things that bother me about it: 1. a sparring class, lacking sparring. There are sparring ideas here, but I don't think its as helpful as actually getting some sparring in. 2. the burnout at the beginning isn't very conducive to good technique work at the end. It should be the other way around, or seperate classes. Conditioning is good, but not before working technique, in most cases. I think the lack of sparring comes from the master instructor. For some reason, he doesn't like sparring when one of the other instructors isn't around, or maybe when he's not around. It frustrates the total hell out of me that we don't spend more time sparring at our school. With all that said, I did have a nice burn in my hips the day after. There were some good ideas in that class.

Good call, Jay. You need levels of both.

I believe it is a deep-seated fear that comes directly from many of the Korean masters. I've seen a lot of this, too. Its too bad that a school like that has to miss out.

isshinryu5toforever is spot on. TKD can be just as reliable as any other style. I know in my school we train to kick and punch hard, and when we spar at tourneys, some of them can be for KO. I've nearly KOed another classmate in class one night sparring. Any style can be good. Any stylist can be bad.

MAist, first and foremost. He lived and breathed it.

We chamber our round kicks with the knee/leg basically horizontal, and as parallel to the ground as possible. I'm having trouble viewing any videos, but I imagine it is similar to what Tonydee does. I agree that it delivers more power, and allows for more options to kicking high or low. The body is back a bit more, but its harder to elude the kick with a simple side step, as the pivot allows it to be carried through farther, allowing for adjustment.

I'm a bit confused by your post here. I don't think there is a difference between the two names here. I always thought mawahi-geri was "round kick" translated. That said, it sounds like you are describing a round kick that I have seen in some Karate styles (through books, youtube, etc), and what I have learned in TKD as a round kick. Personally, I prefer the TKD round kick, for a few reasons. 1. The pivot allows the hip to open up more, allowing for more range to targets, and more follow through; thus, I feel, a more powerful kick. 2. The pivot also spares the knee, I think. If you are kicking lower, I don't think as much pivot is required. However, the higher you go, the more you need to pivot to get power and range, and to save stress on the knee. Just my thoughts.

I enjoy products through Paladin Press; mainly books.

I caught a bit of Top Shot tonight, and I really kind of enjoyed it. I'm not much of a "reality TV" fan (mainly, because none of it is real), but I really liked the competition set ups they had, and watching these guys adapt to different things. Really a good show, if you get a chance to catch it.

Welcome to KF, Phil.

Welcome aboard, and I hope you find a place to do Kyokushin.

I have always liked this movie, especially watching the Capoeira fighter. That guys is talented!

Should be fun to watch. I always wanted to see that Gracie/Tyson challenge happen. Gracie may have won, but I would have loved to seen Tyson land one good hook to the noggin...

Yes, fantastic movie.

7-29-10 Testing. Was hoping for a class, but at the end, we did a small demo, and I did a new break...step, jump 360 round kick through 3 boards. I was surprised I got it on the first go. The good news is that I felt I had more to give... 8-2-10 Weights. Did chest, working with some big guys, one being a former D 1 football player. I am mega sore from it. I watched him push up 405 pounds. That guys is my hero. MA training. Did TTA forms white, low and hi orange, low and hi green, and corresponding one-steps. Then did ATA forms, white, orange, yellow, camo, green, and then corresponding one-steps.

I have noticed that sitting in a car for most of a shift, my posture goes to hell, and I start to feel rather crappy and lethargic. I try to shift and move around to fix it, but its just a pain. I have to get out and stretch and walk around to work out the kinks.

I have not read Kyohan yet, but do have most of the Best Karate series. The author was a senior student of Funakoshi's, so most of the ideas within should be similar. I hear that Kyohan is quite comprehensive, though.

I have always enjoyed forms competition, and usually do that if given a choice. Sparring is nice, too, but I have never excelled at it. I have tended to place better in forms, and always liked it.

Oh yes, I remember. I know how tough it is, with family and work and all, to make something like that work out. Very tough, indeed!

There is also a lot of stuff available on YouTube for viewing, especially stuff by Kanawaza sensei.

Sounds like you had a great experience. Hopefully, you get to train with him some more.

I think there has to be a lot that goes into creating a one touch KO like that. I don't think there is enough out there to prove such spots on the body exist.

Probably a jian, Joe.

I did gain some nicknames when I worked in the jail. Kung Fu Panda was one...

After thinking a bit, and reading all the posts, I like both. At first, I was thinking that 2 is great, because so often in MA training, with one-steps or self-defense applications, we still do not get inside that danger zone, yet remain outside where the techniques still will not hit. This is something I have tried to work with in Combat Hapkido, and is more realistic being inside that danger zone....that is where the hitting in fighting has to happen. Then, I thought about 1, and realized that you can't really have 2 without being decent at 1, in being able to stand without, and then close in at will to engage 2. As I think about my own abilities, 1 is what I need more work at, and then add to my abilities in 2. Thanks for this thread, Tony. Good thoughts!