bushido_man96

I think that this feeling of immunity is exactly the problem. Rather than dressing the issue directly by examining and adjusting our training and attitudes, we pretend that we are above those inadequacies. We convince ourselves that the mere fact that we are martial artists delivers us from complacency, arrogance, ill temper, and a dozen other forms of hubris. This is exactly the complacent attitude that we need to avoid. When we start saying "A martial artist is humble. I am a martial artist. Ergo I must be humble," we assume that we already have certain attributes, and shut out the potential for improvement in those areas. I think there are some good words in here. They are things to be kept in mind, for certain.

I think that as time goes by, though, and one gains more experience, then one can begin to see the writing on the wall when it comes to good and bad. No, this isn't ideal, but it all comes around eventually.

Ah yes, blind loyalty is a very bad thing, in my opinion.

The distraction is enough to drive anyone mad!!!

Indeed. The guy with the blade would have to still have his drawn first. It is all situational In the situation that the '21 foot rule' was tested in, the knife wielder did NOT have the knife drawn at the moment of attack. The knife was drawn, and not from a good sheath, as they closed range. The situation was also however a demonstration of attack vs. response, and the main lesson, I feel, was to notify gun fans that a ranged weapon is not to be considered a panacea in situations involving moderate range. I would furthermore consider a gun not to be considered a panacea under any circumstances; I am told (I cannot verify this personally) that during a significant portion of the year, 10mm handguns are ineffective in my state; certain common types of typical winter clothing is sufficient to stop the bullets. Handguns are hardly a case of 'you fall over now' at best in any case; neither is a blade. Thanks for the clarification on the first part. My bad. I also agree that it isn't the answer to all the questions. Its just another choice. Slag: good post. Very solid.

True. But Couture is still competing. If Long wants to compete, then she should be all means. I mean she's one a fight already. And the other thing to consider is that just because some doesn't win, doesn't mean that they aren't fit to compete. It isn't as profitable as winning is, but it can still be done. The word has been that she still trains like a monster, and her drive is as high as ever. Might she lose? Sure. Might she win? Sure. When should she quit? When she wants to.

If you are worried about legal issues, seek legal advise. Other than that, I'd be inclined to say congrats, and to enjoy. Yeah, you may not have much experience teaching, but you won't get any if you don't start sometime.

Yeah. Great....

Its kind of tough to practice sparring drills on your own. Its one of those things that tends to be partner-based. Especially when timing, reactions, etc. come into play.

Ok..... I have been keeping up a bit, although things have been a bit crazy lately. But, I've managed to find some things to do at home. 11-10-09 Did ATA and Sun Yi's white belt forms a few times each. Knuckle push-ups: 20x2 ATA/Sun Yi's one-steps. 11-11-09 ATA/TTA one-steps Front kicks: 1,2,3,4 kicks, up and down the floor a few times. Knuckle push-ups: 25 11-12-09 Bench dips: 15x3 Jumping jacks: 40 Burpees: 10x2 ATA white belt form (Songham 1): 5 times.

Not far. Probably early 90s.

Nice post. Although couldn't people who haven't trained together and happen to meet just "tell" each other their ranks? For example, doctors at a medical convention, do they blab about their degrees, or about their knowledge-discoveries? I guess they should consider themeselves and all who attend professional and certifiable in the field in which, whatever event, seminar, meet, they attend. I mean, no one is going to attend a medical fnction, whom has absolutely or bare minimal knowledge in the field or subject thereof. Is that necessary, though? That's why I don't espouse the whole teaching morals/ethics in the MAs. Instead of worrying about who out ranks who, just show everyone respect.

If you look into some of Cho's books, he has some sparring sequences in which he does some spinning knife hand strikes. He also used some backfists and ridgehands. I'd check there.

That's where you have to be able to tell the difference in the products that you are looking at, so you know what you are getting.

That depends on the teacher. If a teacher is versed in a broad skill set, then it could be a good thing to stick with just him.

I don't know if it is so much about pleasing a student, but calling this spade a spade, and letting it be what it is.

Not too far til the 4-Zero. The bright side, you could be 49 pushing 50 It seems like once you get past 30, all we do is push...

There are some who are good at it, though. Cyborg Santos comes to mind. Kathy Long has also started training for ground fighting.

I think so, too. Couture really needs to get off his late slide, otherwise the nay sayers on his age are going to gain ground in their arguements that he is finished up.

Surprise really doesn't figure into the power equation, though. It does figure into other factors in the outcome of a conflict, though.

Its one of the classic lines I took away from being a child of the 80s.

Don't I know it...

Congrats to all.

Yes, it will be a factor, and it is important to make sure that women understand this. They will have to combat it. There is a reason why professional fighters have to adhere to weight classes. Size and strength are factors that should be taken into consideration in confrontations. They shouldn't be dwelled upon, but they are important because they are things you can usually readily recognize, and thus account for before you even come to blows. As for the OP, wrist locks and the like are tricky at times. The less compliant that one is, the more difficult the lock will be. Like TG mentions, if it isn't working, move to something else. A wrist lock should be applied fast, and then the person further restrained, knocked out, or whatever. Don't expect to just be able to hold it there indefinitely.

That stems from that 21 foot rule, but the dynamics change when both have weapons drawn.