bushido_man96

That's a tough deal, BB of C. I don't know why it runs like that, but those kinds of thoughts are some of the very reasons that compelled me to write my article on monogamy in the Martial Arts. I'm not sure if it is really only the Korean styles that are that particular, or if other styles are just as guilty.

I've never really been one to try to use the blade of my foot as the striking tool for a side kick. I always use the heel.

You're welcome, Bob.

These titles don't speak about rank, but, these teaching titles speak about knowledge. Which is more important; rank or knowledge? KNOWLEDGE! Teaching titles are MORE than dan grades, imho, and this is enough. I hadn't thought of it that way, but it makes a little more sense. Ideally, though, I would think that rank should denote a level of knowledge, as well. But, I understand the route that you have taken here, as well.

I think it is good that you have identified some of the variances in the two arts that you are studying right now. I find differences in Aikdio and Hapkido as well, and find that there are things I like from one, and not the other. What is important is to take mental notes of what you like and dislike, and when you work on your own, or with partners outside of the traditional class setting, you then take the time to focus on what you like. You can also take this time to work more with the concepts and techniques that you don't like from each style, and use them with some neutral training partners. You may find that will like them, after spending a bit more time getting aclimated to them. It might just take the right scenario to make it pop in there.

I think a throw is more distinctive than a takedown. A takedown, in my mind, would more or less tie up a leg (or both), and be more concerned with driving the body through the legs of the opponent. A throw, in my mind, would be more akin to either hoisting the body off the ground, or removing one or more of the legs from under the body while using the hands on the upper body to force it over a fulcrum, like the knee, a blocked foot, etc. That's just the way I see it, though.

That was a nice study. I wonder if he didn't exhale at all on the second break, though. Also, on the slow motion look of the first break, I didn't see the bottom brick break there, either, but it may have been broken with the final collapse of rubble. But, the numbers don't lie, and missing out on around 500 extra lbs of force would make a difference.

Yes, very true, Bob. But all thoughts and considerations are very much appreciated.

They are good thoughts, too. I think we all tend to get a sideways glance when asked what our hobby is, and then we tell them. It can be hard to explain why to those that haven't expericenced it and don't understand what all goes on.

Welcome to the world of Martial Arts. I'm glad to hear that you've already seen improvement. Enjoy your Martial journey.

That would be nice if it were, Bob, but it just isn't the case anymore. As different styles deversivied, specialization became the name of the game. My case in point is this: styles like TKD, Karate, TSD, and even Boxing, have come to excell in the stand-up game. Judo and Aikido are known for their throws. Wrestling and BJJ are specialized in grappling. Now, this level of specialization isn't all bad, because it has allowed the progression of skills in those specialized areas. Yet they came at the expense of skills in other arears.

Congrats! Well deserved.

Here is another comparison article that I found on the ARMA website: Katana vs. Rapier: Another Fantasy Worth Considering A very objective and well-studied approach to a comparison of these two iconical weapons. There is some good historical information in the article, as well, concerning each style of fighting, and the era that the swords were used.

Thanks. I like Clements's research, and I always learn something.

I found this article rather interesting: Longsword and Katana Considered Lots of interesting points brought to bear here.

Welcome!

Hehe, nice. I remember the Friday the 13th one. Basic, but it got the point across.

Thanks, everyone. No, Joe, not a "princess" per se. But yes, I am proud of her.

I think that there just aren't many courteous drivers out there anymore. People follow to close, especially when they are in a hurry, and I swear that there aren't many who know the rules on navigating a 4-way stop intersection. People just go, and some don't care if it was their turn or not. Rolling stops are the norm anymore, too, and signaling is just an option. It sucks.

I think that they are close to the same. I view fighting as what happens in self-defense. I think that many people view fighting as an action, whereas self-defense is a situation that sets up the fight. For example, not many of us go out looking for a fight. We are peaceful people, by and large, and just want to go about our business. But, as Martial Artists, we train to be able to fight/defend ourselves should the situation arise. I don't want to say that self-defense is a mindset, because I don't think it is. But, we tend to walk around, trying to be aware, and are ready to defend ourselves should we get attacked. Fighting, therefore, is the physical aspect of self-defense. You can use all of the pre-fight options to attempt to deter the physical part from happening, but once it does, I think that then you are fighting. Also, I think that fighting lends itself easily to sport, so it is viewed as mutual action between two (or more). But, I think it overlaps into self-defense.

9-3-09 Bike 1 mile with the dog, then stretched legs for 10 minutes.

A warm or hot wash will shrink a cotton gi, for sure. So, if you need to shrink it, go for it. Otherwise, stick with a cold wash.

Just like any style, you've got good, and the not so good. I've seen and read in my time here that there are politics in other styles as well, and not just Korean ones. Anything tied into the Kukkiwon is likely to have some politics involved. But then again, most times new organizations are started by people who are sick of the "politics" of the system, only to start an organization that begets its own politics. So many times I'm led to believe that it isn't that people don't like politics; its that they like their own politics. For what its worth...

Well, its not necessarily quantity, but quality that counts.

It is society's responsibility but often not the reality. Anything that I can do to affect young lives is all good-even if it's just one person. Taking it "out of the dojo and into the world" is the philosophy that I encourage at my school . Of course there are those who could care less about philosophy and there are schools out there for them. That's a good philosophy, too. But, I think that it would be better if instead it came from outside the dojo, to inside of it. Just my thoughts, though, and I think that more people actually teach kids to be good an responsible than don't, as well.