bushido_man96

I think that you've got a nice list to start with. But some things people have, some people can get, and others are tough to train. The gift of speed is something that can be a boon to a fighter. Bruce Lee is a prime example. But, something that Bruce also had, that more people can have, is his hard work ethic. That guy was a genetically gifted human being, but he complemented it with a fierce drive (or obsession, maybe?) to be better the next day than he was the day before. So, I would have to put the desire to work hard close to the top of the list.

I have always been involved in scheduled testings, accept for my Hapkido now. They work well; if I'm not ready, I don't test. But, these Aikido testings are merely a judgement of current levels of performance. It also helps that there are no testing fees. tallgeese: Yes, I'm hoping for some training on the side, and I think it is a good possibility. It just won't count toward time in rank and whatnot, which is ok with me. Bob: The club members themselves have made contact with the Association, and at class last night, there were statements made to the effect that something may get figured out. DWx: Our highest rank is a 2nd or 1st kyu, so in time, he may be able to take over instruction.

I think that the Samurai code of Bushido is one of those things in Martial Arts that tends to be a product of romanticization more than anything else.

By cross-training, I think one can aquire that skill, to a certain degree. It may not be expert skill, but it can be enough to accomplish a goal.

There's something to be said about humble and level-headed application of Martial Skill. Look at Mike Tyson, for example... That guy could have used some "character building" early in his boxing training. Instead, his trainers armed an already powerful individual, with the skill to level most other human beings with one blow. Look where it got him -- broke, beat up and incarcerated. Now add the skillset most MAs train with -- kicks, elbows, jointlocks, throws, etc... Making sure the head is firmly attached should, rightly, be part of the MA equation IMHO. I see what you are saying here, mr_obvious, but I think what it boils down to is people will find what they want, if they are driven enough. There is a misconception that every Martial Artist out there is or should be a 'good guy.' Its a nice thought, but just not realistic. Even if they didn't learn it in a structured training environment, they would likely learn it some other way. Its like trying to instigate harsher gun laws to stop gun crime. The point is, the criminal is going to have or get the gun, no matter the law. It just makes it tougher on those of us who feel obligated to follow the rules. The good guys just suffer for it in the end, because we aren't likely to be on a level playing field.

Ah, ok. Yes, we do work those in. We basically work into a position in which we would cuff a person from, and that is how we would end the technique.

No, not necessarily. I think that many of us study the Martial Arts with the idea of never having to use it for that purpose. Then there are those who know they will use it as such, and study accordingly. Look at it this way....being a trap shooter doesn't make you a sniper. But, it does mean you can shoot.

Nice post, Tonydee. I had not heard that before. Thanks for the info.

11-22-09 Knuckle push-ups: 2x10 11-23-09 Aikido class: 7:30 - 9:30. Class was good. I am seeing some improvements in my aiki-taisos, and in rolling. I even got asked to assist a new student with back rolls. Technique work went well, too.

I agree...see a doctor.

Pick up a book by Lt. Col Dave Grossman called "On Killing." You'll learn a ton about what he termed "killology" and what really goes through healthy minds when killing needs to or has to take place, and how people are trained to do so. At any rate, training mindset has a lot to do with how and when you would use your training. The point is that it can be deadly. What you have to consider is if you are really training that way, or being taught that way.

Side kicks = no problem. Pushups = culprit better buy everyone dinner after class!!! ROFL...I second the dinner thing! Did someone say dinner????

If people are willing to work hard in other physical endeavours that do not use ranks, then why not the Martial Arts? It is just another physical activity, only you are learning to fight/defend yourself. I throw dirty clothes on the floor all the time at home. The belt is just another piece of laundry in my wardrobe. It only gets worn a few times a week, though. Interesting. So if we are to throw them around like dirty clothes, why bother to wear them? If one thinks its a "bother" to wear it, then don't. But, it does do a nice job of holding the uniform together.

Good to hear, Kez.

I can't tell from your post if you are for or against competition sparring or not. But, I will say that when you are being troubled by a certain aspect in competition, then learning how a specialist performs his trade is a very good way of helping to shore up a weakness.

Bob: TKD does help a bit, with the movements and striking techniques, especially low-line kicking. I do find it challenging at times. I used to have the darnedest time getting into Nikkyo in my current rank, but now....I LOVE Nikkyo. What do you define as demobilization techniques?

Martial Arts = "war" arts. Warrior = uses "war" arts in his trade.

I think Joe and algernon have good advise. Just take little steps that get you back to training, and having a support system to help will go a long ways.

I don't think your view of Boxing is accurate. It isn't, and never was, just standing there beating on each other, trading shots until the guy who couldn't take anymore fell down. I think that the Martial Arts have been a part of society since societies began to exist. There has always been a need to defend oneself from enemy combatants, whether at home or in other lands. Wrestling is probably older than Boxing is as far as the MA timeline goes, but who can say for sure.

Congrats on putting together such a great community, Patrick.

"IF" one gains "sense". Experience is nothing to do with it. In other words one can be getting the WRONG experience. Blind following and peers pressure takes its toll. I think that consumers tend to get wise to these things after a time. People aren't that helpless.

Indeed. Sorta like can't beat 'em, join 'em. However, a instructor with grand knowledge of hand tactics, and combat understanding, would have instructed one how to beat these kickers without having one go to them. For example, if someone comes at one with a bo, one would close the gap, evade, etc., to limit the extension. This is very simular to those kicking at one. Also, one cannot beat soneone, say who kicks, because one maybe following their rules of sparring, their environment. From my experiences and observations, not too may kicks, esp fanciful ones, are used in actual confrontations. It is a grand idea to train in multiple arts, though. Provided that there are qualified instructors. The obsticle in training this way, is that one has to "empty their cup" each time they start another art. It would be nice if it worked that way all the time, but it simply doesn't. So, going to find out more about how a kicker kicks, or a Boxer boxes, is a good way to shore up some weaknesses. When it comes to competition especially, learning what different specializations tend to lean towards can be a big help. Out of curiosity, Bob, did learning TKD help you to counter those kicks?

Mine as well. I hope he makes a full recovery, and makes it back to the ring.

11-18-09 Taught TKD class today. Was getting students ready for testing this Friday.