bushido_man96

That first one is always a nerve racker. But, give it a shot; it might be another guy's first one, as well. You'll meet some great people, and you should have a good time, too.

I agree; check the listings of your area, and also ask around. See what turns up.

I'm with you there. There is a lot to Aikido, and getting the movements to flow together is going to take me a lot of time. I find that breaking things down, step by step, really helps a lot.

Congrats!

I think this is a really good observation. I actually attended a weapons retention class about a year ago that our state LETC DT guy put on. It involved not only people grabbing the gun in-hand, but those trying to grab the gun from the holster itself. We did stand-up and ground scenarios. Really eye-opening. It may be something that might be of interest to those who even conceal and carry now, too.

This is something that you may have to check your state statutes for; their may be a duty to flee kind of clause. Also, you can find it in so-called "castle laws," in which a victim does not have the duty to flee from their own home, if burglarized/attacked. Something to look into to be prepared for. I agree with this sentiment as well. I'm not going to try to gain any kind of honor points when I get into a fight. I'm looking to walk away. Hock Hockheim said it well in an article in Black Belt: "cheat first, cheat last, and cheat in the middle!" "Fair" isn't really going to be an issue for me when a fight comes calling. I'm not going to stop and assess my attacker's skill level via an interview, so I know what I can and can't use. But, as you state, there is a point when you have defended yourself, and then can become the attacker, and that is the point at which you must assess the situation, and then decide what comes next. There is lots of talk here about "running away" when you can, but it doesn't have to have that conotation of turning tale and motoring away. Observe your surroundings, back away cautiously, and find a route to take out of there. Also, shortly after the encounter, it should be in the fore of your mind to get in touch with the authorities, so that you can report your side of what happened. I agree here as well. Although they shouldn't be viewed as overwhelming factors against you, they should be noted and taken into consideration. You can see what the cover of the book looks like, but you aren't likely to get to "read" it until things start flying. Size and strength can make a difference.

I just wish I would shrink in the wash sometimes...

I'm not familiar with what Joshinmon is, but Shorin Ryu is a fairly popular, well know style of Karate. As for the ranks, they can vary from school to school, depending on instructor experience and preference. Some will have a different color per rank, and some will have one 3 colors, with 3 different grades per color. So, you'd be better off asking the instructor about the ranking system.

I would have to throw my lot in with these guys as well. Learning the techniques as well as having good drilling methods that mirror closely what you will be doing are the best ways to increase your comfort level in anything you do.

Striking can help with that, too.

It could be something to try, but you've got to be careful, because it could draw challenges that might not be wanted. It would depend on the area. The Chinese do Tai Chi in parks all the time, but its a culturally accepted thing there. In Brazil, it might not be odd to walk up on a Capoeira roda. But in the states, it is more likely to draw the attention of thugs that might want to try you.

10-7-09 Tonight, I spent a lot of time again on basics. Things are starting to move a bit smoother now, too. Also got started on new one-steps, since some of the students tested recently.

Sounds like everything went well. I did find that when I started teaching kids, my patience got better.

10-6-09 Lightweight shoulder workout Lateral raise: 10 Lateral raise thumb up: 10 Lateral raise thumb up/down: 10 Front raise: 10 Cross-over jacks: 10 Military press: 10 3 sets, nonstop, 5, 3, 0 lbs. Assisted pull-ups: 15 max set Crunches: 50 Assisted pull-ups: 13 Dumbell curls, 15, 10,5 reps: 12, 15, 25 lbs. Reverse crunches: 50 Assisted pull-ups: 11 Dumbell curls, 15, 10, 5: 15, 20, 25 lbs. Reg/rev. crunches: 25/25 Stretch upper body 5 minutes. Combat Hapkido: 12:00 - 12:40. Warm-up with trapping techniques up and down floor, using cross-side/outside trap and then finish. Did some block/pass/pin, and then moved to block and strike bicep and break balance. Finished with some of the red belt material. TKD class: 6:00 - 7:30. We had 10 white belts in class tonight, most of them from the orientation of the college class, so we spent a lot of time on basics, then I stretched out. Instead of one-steps, I got to help another 3rd dan that is a bit rusty on reviewing the black belt forms. My legs were very sore from the day before working out, so class was a blast!

Basically, instead of being beholden to some philosophical ideals as to what the belt might mean or represent, I just try to think of it as another one of my possessions, and try to treat it as such. I don't try to ruin many of my own things on purpose, but I don't revere a lot of my possessions, either. The belt is the same to me.

I think a forceful, silent exhalation can be equal to a kiai. I don't think it always has to be audible, but that's just me.

I see alot of posts stating that it will depend on "style", but I would rather not limit oneself that way, and instead, I would state that it will depend on the situation at hand. If you have nice re-enforced shoes or boots on, then go with the toe kick. If you can form your foot in some looser shoes, go with the ball of the foot. If your going to nail a soft, low target like the groin, you may go top of the foot. So, I say situation may dictate moreso than style.

Our class warm-up pretty much consists of just basics. We start with hand technique/upper body basics, then move towards kicks, and then combinations. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes if we have an experienced class. One idea is a 15 minute workout where you keep moving. You have the class alternate between jogging in place, and jumping jacks. In between these, you pick an exercise...and this could be anything from back leg front kicks, to mountain climbers, to punches, to crunches, anything to mix it up. Switch every 30 seconds. So, it looks like this: 30 seconds jog in place 30 seconds front kicks from fighting stance 30 seconds jumping jacks 30 seconds jab/cross 30 seconds jog in place 30 seconds (pick anything) 30 seconds jumping jacks 30 seconds (pick anything) and on and on for 15 mintues, or 20, or 30, etc. Pretty good way to get a sweat going.

Welcome to the Forums!

Stick Fighting Masaaki Hatsumi, Quinton Chambers

Congrats!

So it is the victim's duty to flee? What if I am attacked in a place at which I have every right to be, and I do not want to leave? Flight may be an option, and it may be the best option, but to suggest that it is an obligation is to forget who started the fight in the first place. You initially asked about the virtue of a proportioned response, and that virtue is in self-control; however, I would still be far from my Nicomachean mean if I were to run when I believed that I could stand. There is vice in excessive violence, but there is also virtue in a just fight. What one views as virtue and what the law view as battery might be the same, so be careful. Now, with that said, you don't necessarily have to run away. But, if you have neutralized the threat, then you need to desist. You don't have to leave, but you need to stop pressing the attack. If you want to stay, and risk being attacked again, then its a risk you have to consider. Something to think about, too.

I've never had that many in one setting. Wow. I would make sure to bring some assistants along, and make sure that they are on the same page as you are.

If you try to resist the power of the punch when it hits the bag, it could be causing the soreness to be more noticible. Maybe relax that arm a bit upon impact, and let it recoil some more.

10-3-09 Push-ups: 3x10, short breaks Crunches: 30 Knee to opposite elbow crunches: 10 each side 10-5-09 Finally trying to get back on track at the gym. Jog: 1/4 mile Lunges: 20 each leg Squats: 20 1/2 squats: 20 Repeated 3 times. Stretch legs for 5 minutes. Chest/ab superset Bench press: 205x5 Push-ups: 25, had to stop a few times Crunches: 30 Reverse crunches: 30 Double crunches: 20 Bench press: 205x5 Push-ups: 10...and then that was all I had. Stretch upper body for 5 minutes. BOB work Round kick: 2x10 each leg, head level Spin hook kick: 2x10 each leg, head level Front thrust kick: 2x10 each leg, solarplexus level Evening Push-ups: 20, 15, 15