bushido_man96

I think in the end the way the weapon is used is going to depend more on what the wielder's experience is, as opposed to what "system" the weapon comes from. A jo could be used in the methods that a bokken is used in Japanese sword arts, if that is all you know. The weight will be different, but it could be made to work if its all you have. Likewise, if a hanbo could probably be wielded like in the manner of an Arnis user, if that's what they come across. So, it will depend on the wielder as much as the system at times. As for the Aikido reference, at the seminar I attended, we did some paired jo work, and it wasn't exactly like sword work, but it was pretty offensive/defensive, and more about striking with the stick, as opposed to manipulations. This could have been just scratching the surface though.

Congrats!

Congrats on your promotion.

Heh, weird. I wonder how that worked?

Well, its kind of like Lee said about "styles." We all have the same numbers of arms and legs, so the only way he thought a different "style" could come about was if someone had 3 arms or something like that. FWIW...

I see this, too, and it is part of the reasoning behind my thread on which came first, forms or applications. I like the idea behind learning the techniques in an applied setting, and this training methodology allows the techniques to be more readily employed when the time comes.

If I'm not mistaken, a lot of Muay Thai is back leg stuff. Even when they kick with the leg that is in front, its seems to be in combination with a step forward with the back leg, isn't it?

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply, guys.

I agree, and this is one area that I tend to have the most problems with, and it is for a few reasons. 1. I worry about not being as big as others. I have been lifting and trying to get into better shape, and get stronger, but do think alot about what others are capable of lifting. Being short doesn't help me with this, either. 2. Build-ups bother me. If crap just starts happening, and I don't have time to think it out, not so much of a problem. But if the situation is building, I start thinking, and that sucks. So, I try to work on these things.

We are prone to tornadoes in my area. So, most houses have basements. I don't have a kit put together like you do, but it is a good idea, and I will discuss this with my wife. I have been through CPR training, but I don't retain it well. When I go to academy, though, I'll get a review, which will be good.

Milage will vary on this issue, to be sure. I think that some instructors just expect you sign up for a month, and if you don't like it, you don't have to keep coming back. I don't think we offer a trial; the customers call in, and the instructor sets up the orientation. After the orientation, which is about 3 weeks, I think, they go to regular class.

9-29-09 Leg press: 335x20x3 Leg curl: 90x10x3 Leg extensions: 115x10x3 Did this routine like a circuit. Combat Hapkido: 3:34 - 4:30. Worked on the red belt stuff.

They may have a seperate kumite class, or do it on certain days. Its good to see you found a place. Enjoy your training!

I have noted this elsewhere before, but its kind of sad that we don't consider all Martial Arts "combative." As for JKD...you hear a lot about its "style of no style," and other philosophical things like that, but when you get into it, and I think Joe can confirm this for me, you still learn some things as far as technique goes. Like the straight lead, for instance. You'd think that in JKD, you would just do the straight lead that works for you, but, as I have seen in articles in Black Belt magazine, there is a "way" to teach and do the straight lead, and it is practiced that way a lot. I'm sure that there are other techniques in there that get attention, as well. Like tallgeese mentioned, though, its the methodologies and the concepts that really take it apart from other styles. I think that Joe will also notice that the training that he's done in SBD probably gives him kind of a "plug-and-play" technique repretoire that he can take with him. He can use what works, and discard the other stuff from it. Please, Joe, chime in and let me know how far off the mark I am here.

Of course it counts! At the university in my town, TKD is still offered, and I took it. The Aikido club now also offers a for-credit class, and there is a Defensive Tactics club/class that the criminal justice department puts on. There used to be a Saber club, too, but it wasn't for credit. So, we've got a pretty good range of offerings here.

...do not talk about fight club!!!

There are a lot of Martial Artists out there who practice weapons, be they modern or traditional. But, after practicing all the techniques and attacks with them, how many stylists take the time to practice 1) deploying the weapon, and 2) retain the weapon should someone choose to take it? I think that these are two important parts of weapons training, although they might be overlooked the most.

9-27-09 Chiefs 14, Eagles 34 Man, what a trouncing. This just wasn't any fun to watch. I was curious as to some of the plays called, and the running game went right back into the toilet this week. I think that Cassel is playing well, but one guy can only do so much. The administration had better get some talent around him soon, or the best years of his career will be wasted.

There was an article in the 09 issue of Black Belt titled "Mind Games," by Lee Morrison. In it, he talks about his experiences in applying the Martial Arts. What struck me in particular were some of his comments on mind set. What I took note of was his statements about being focused on what you will do to your opponent, and not the potential consequences or outcome; what you are going to do, not what the opponent may do. He also mentions in the article to need to be able to switch off when the threat subsides, and to be able to recognize when this happens. This has been a topic elsewhere, and it is an important piece to consider. You've got to have that stop button, and the approach you take to self-defense should allow for the reduction of force levels as appropriate.

I was reading "From the Archives" in my Oct. 2009 issue of Black Belt. The section gives highlights from issues of the past. This one is dated July, 1973, and it states that at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, a Karate club was promoted to being a for-credit course. It was under the direction of Bill Wallace. I wonder if this was the first incident of this happening in the states or not? I am also wondering how many of the participants on the forum here have ever taken MA classes for credits at college/university? I have 6 semesters worth of TKD credit on my college transcripts.

Yes, you make a good point. But, not all of the empty-hand motions of kata will translate to that of weapon kata, either. Of course, I have to admit that my exposure to weapons katas is limited.

Good story.

Never played any of those.

I think I wouldn't go that route. I'd rather be in control myself, rather than putting a pretender out there.

I beg to differ on sai, they've saved my rear before... I'd be interested to hear how they were deployed and used.