bushido_man96

I think that this is a common example of over reaction, not unlike gun laws. Yeah, it doesn't make a lot of sense, but the lawmakers feel good because they think that they are accomplishing something.

I agree that there are good drills to do without a partner for sparring, but having a partner is optimal.

Aww, yes!! Raw cookie dough! Its the best. Now, if I combine that with my post-workout chocolate milk, I'll be sitting in high cotton! Awesome... Ok, maybe no one should take nutritional advise from me...

I think that this is great. If you didn't act in a rude or otherwise out-of-character manner from your normal self, then this was probably a good experience for both of you. Instead of looking at each other from a master-student perspective, you observed each other from a personal perspective. Isn't that the way it should be? There are also stories in mythologies about gods walking amongst the mortals as poor or beggars, to see how they are treated and received by the people when they don't know that they are in their presense. It gives a sense of what people really are like. Yeah, I know its a bit off topic, but something to think about....you never know when someone is checking things out.

This sums it up. Even if you have 5 minutes at a time, do some kicks, go over your form (even in your head, if you have to), or stand in a stance. These are simple things, but as time goes by, you'll discover even more things you can do to practice at home....like doing sets of side kicks between paragraphs of the book you are reading, while the wife and baby are sleeping....

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.