bushido_man96

My experience in Aikido thus far has been much the same. There are some good concepts in there, but I think that the training methods are in need of an overhaul, especially when it comes to the paired work. There is just so much involved with blending into the techniques and getting the proper motions down that it really escalates the learning curve of the style. Now, if you do enjoy learning different ways to move, and seeing how the physics can apply, then you will really enjoy it. Also, if you just like to explore different Martial Arts, you'll enjoy it. A major problem that I have seen in Aikido is that its philosophies and mine are just about complete opposites of each other. But, it makes for interesting insights into how I would do things differently. I will also agree that the ukes tend to expect a bit too much cooperation, at least at my dojo. I tend to walk out of quite a few techniques, even when some of the higher ranks are performing them on me. But, it could be a bad habit of the dojo I attend, too.

4/9/10 Worked the shoulders today, and did some more leg weight lifting. Also jogged a mile on the treadmill, and got it in under 11 minutes.

I enjoy watcing Machida fight. I think he brings something to the table that changes things a bit. He has great distancing capabilities, which I think is his major strength in fights. He controls the ring very well.

I do like the strong side forward idea, and used a lot in my sparring for years. However, being able to use either side forward is a boon, as well.

I agree completely with the dirty fighting ideas, too. Cheat first, cheat last, and cheat in the middle!

I like your analogies here, but if you look at the McDojo trend, the McDojos tend to cost more than others usually do, as opposed to costing less. Just a thought...

Thanks, everyone. Its great to get back into the swing of things. I saw your Ravens avatar, but didn't think of Holmes and the time he had there. This is cool; we'll have something to talk about when football season rolls around. And Cassel had better weapons in New England. Give him another year with KC.

I saw ads for the book, and I want to get it. Its on the list now.

I'm with you. I much prefer my native Americanized English to all this other. At any rate, back to the topic at hand, I think that expulsions can be a tricky business, for sure. In your case, Bob, with well established by-laws, it makes it easier to cite such infractions and then have reprimands in place for them. Although not always necessary, it does make things easier to justify. Now, when it comes to splits due to political or other differences, these are just a result of human nature...we just can't always get along. And although one of the driving forces behind the Oriental Martial Arts is the adherence and devotion to a high ranked instructor figure, the fact of the matter is that most of us outgrow that after some point in time. We want to break free, and be our own boss, follow our own road, and all that other stuff. Just because we learn a lot of things from somone doesn't prevent us from gaining our own points of view, and wanting to teach things from those points of view. I think that this is the reason behind so many different "styles" or organizations of Martial Arts today. And it will only continue to go this way. That's my take on it, anyway.

McDojo is a term that is tossed around rather loosely at times. Being one of the resident TKD guys on board, I don't like the fact that McDojo gets associated with TKD a lot. But, the fact of the matter is that certain organizations and their practices do tend to bring that image upon themselves. But, it is important to take every school in and check it out for yourself, as opposed to letting the name do the classifications for you. Many people will associate what they perceive as an abbreviated testing time line to be a McDojo; to be more specific, a two-year black belt. Again, it is important to take this for what it is worth, and it is important to look at what the organization practices, what it focuses on, and how that plays into the curriculum and the advancement process. In the end, what is important is if the school offers what you want to learn, and if you feel the quality of instruction is high. The thing to remember about testings, though, is that you don't have to test everytime one is scheduled. Take your time, and if you don't feel ready, skip one here and there. Now, when it comes to price, it will depend on what you want, what you are willing to pay, or how much you can afford to pay. I don't view contracts as an instant sign of a McDojo. For some schools, especially high-member schools, contracts are a far easier way of collecting dues than trying to be the bill collector for so many students every month. I have been on contract for quite a while now, but I also know that I will not be quitting anytime soon. In the end, look at the totality of the circumstances involved, and then make your decision on if a school appears to be a McDojo or not. Make no mistake, though; those schools are out there.

Welcome to KF.

Welcome to KF, Austin!

Welcome to KF!

Ah yes, back at last! 4-6-10 Jogged 1 mile in just over 11 minutes. 4/7/10 Weights today, worked on the back and legs. Did lots of pull-downs, and some rows. I need to build back up to work more on pull-ups.

The problem with reading history of Korean Martial Arts is that there really isn't much out there. The current styles of TKD, TSD, and Hapkido, are all derivatives of Japanese styles of Karate. As much as other sources want to claim that TSD and TKD are derived from Taek Kyon, Kwon Bup, Soo Bak, or other such past styles, the connection really isn't there.

As mentioned, there are a lot of "what-ifs" here that we don't know. But, there is one thing that you can fill in. Once you decide that it is time to defend yourself, you must committ to it, and then procede to overwhelm that person until they realize what a bad idea it was for them in the first place. Then, once you have overwhelmed them, make sure you don't switch roles and then end up becoming the attacker. If they desist, allow them to do so. But once you start, there is no half-way. My DT buddy uses this line a lot, for when it is necessary to defend oneself in a court of law when using force in defense of self or others: Question: "How hard did you hit him?" Answer: "As hard as I could." Question: "Why did you hit him so hard?" Answer: "So I wouldn't have to hit him again." Ideally, that's the way it plays out. Now, not a lot of situations are going to come down to a one-hit wonder, but this idea I have above still holds true. Hit 'em as hard as you can. If they don't stop, you hit 'em again, as hard as you can. Fight to survive.

I had several "aha" moments while doing DT at the academy. I had a really good partner, and he had some good ideas that I hadn't seen before. I love those "aha" moments. Great post, Bob.

My instructor requests that we do more of an informal bow; more like a head bob in acknowledgement, when we see him out of class. Personally, I don't like it. I think in the class, its fine, but out in the world, its not the same, and requiring it is an ego thing, in my opinion. I just tack it up as one of the things that I would do differently if I were running the school.

Thanks for the comments, guys. I appreciate them.

Good article, NightOwl. The true role of the uke defined very well. I see this all the time in Hapkido, in DT training, and even in TKD. However, I think that some of the worst I have seen in regards to being an "honest" uke has been in the Aikido classes I have attended. But, I think it is getting better, too.

Congrats!

Cold weather doesn't usually bother me too much. Although as I get older, I require more layers to tolerate it. When it gets slick, though, I don't care for that too much.

Hello everyone! I have finally been able to make my re-appearance here at KF. Its like coming home again! It feels like its been such a long time away, and I am so glad to get back into some great discussion with some great people here. I hope that everyone has been doing well. Things have been pretty busy on my end, and the funky work schedule I have climbed back into hasn't helped things much, either. But, I've got my desktop computer fixed at home, we have a new laptop, and I've got a new phone that can really hit media pretty hard, so I may even be able to stop into KF on the go. I look forward to getting back into the swing of things here. See ya all on the boards!

Yes, thanks a lot, Chuck. Finding a Korean master who will actually admit to TKD's roots in Shotokan is tough to come by. I think it is admirable that he does so.

The idea of seeking Zen is one. Releasing oneself from the ego is still a common mantra in Martial Arts circles today.