bushido_man96

So, if no MA helps, then why are they still around? What good are they, then?

I like the scene. But, I don't often interject how real it seems, especially when I haven't studied much of the sword beyond what I read.

Man, that sucks. I hope it heals up soon. Maybe the massage is the way to go.

Sounds good. Having just one holder would be better for multiple breaking stations, as well.

Agreed. Whatever it is that you feel you are weak at, just start doing some focused practice to get better, stronger, faster, etc.

Extreme, yes. But, to an extent, it is just another part of what there is to consider in the studying the Martial Arts.

Hell, I'm just going to go have a burger or two. Thanks for the suggestion!

It sounds like you're looking to divide Karate into various teaching models. You could make as many or as few classifications as you like, depending on how specific you would want to be. I think you would want to make as few classifications as possible, and go with that. That in mind, you could look into something like this: 1. Sport-oriented styles. Your kickboxing would likely fall in here, and the knockdown style of Kyokushin may overlap here, as well. 2. Hard-styles. These could fall into the harder styles like Shotokan, that took the route of being a type of physical education/self-defense style. Your typical kata/kihon/kumite based systems may fall in line here. 3. Self-defense styles. These could be systems based soley on searching out the self-defense applications inherent in their styles, be it through forms or other ways of applying strategies and tactics. 4. Softer styles (?). You would have to check with Wa-No-Michi and some of the other Wado/Goju guys on this one, because I think that styles like Wado and Goju have a bit of a different set-up than the likes of Shotokan, Shito-Ryu, etc. But I could be wrong. At any rate, this could give you a start on a break-down. Also note that schools may have a certain focus, with some overlap of the others contained. It won't be hard and fast, so some shades of grey may intervene.

I love seeing the old pictures of grappling depictions. Ancient Greek potery has been seen with similar markings. Indeed, it is a deep, rich part of many cultures.

Not everything is done in the same manner or process as is done in Wado, however. And if forms were earlier touted as complete systems in and of themselves, then it would make sense to work on the forms applications, once the form is learned.

Are you an ATA black belt, Heidi? No. There was a nice article in one of the Trade Journals I get and it interested me so I checked it out. Anyone can use the workout right from the website...very convenient! Ah, cool. Thanks for the info. I asked because I as a 2nd degree in the ATA prior to my current organization. So I was just curious.

Good advice from everyone here. With that said, I don't think I can add too much more. One thing I would say is not to compare the experiences of others with what you hope to attain; it can lead to disappointment. Your body will react differently to exercise than others do, so you have to take that into account when beginning your training program. I especially agree with starting slow and building up. Welcome to the Forums, as well.

Did you use only one holder, or two?

I think that learning the XMA kind of stuff is a great way to augment one's training athletically, and there isn't any question that it can enhance such attributes like hand-eye coordination, balance, etc. I think that if someone wants to augment their training with XMA stuff, I think that is great. I don't think it is for everyone, though.

I don't think that self-defense is a by-product of all MA training. I think it should be, but not all teachers think the same. I think that it is something that should be considered, though, by all who teach. Just food for thought.

I passed up a chance to pick it up at a bookstore not long ago. Perhaps someday, though, I'll take a look at it. I do like to read up on the Jeet Kune Do subject, but there are several different ideas of what Jeet Kune Do is floating around out there. To me, its all the more reason to check it out, though.

I thought we were talking about everything that can be encompassed with the knowledge of the forms. Therefore, applications would apply, no?

Yeah, on the eBay page, the device was actually called Kindling....the wireless wooden reading device...

So what have you decided to do?

I can't help you with the kanji, but it does look nice.

That seems to be a hold-over habit of forms practice, from what I see. Students like to lock and hold their techniques when doing forms, especially kicks.

Are you an ATA black belt, Heidi? 6-10-09 While on our walk tonight (1 mile).... Alternating leg bounds: 3x10 Alternating middle blocks: 10 Alternating outside blocks: 10 Alternating down blocks: 10 Alternating knifehand strikes: 10 Alternating backfist strikes: 10 Alternating punches: 10 100 Push-ups Week 4, Day 2: 25, 29, 25, 25, 36 = 140 I also appear to be nursing a slight groin pull. I'm not sure where that came from, but I don't like it one bit.

Looks managable. Gets the fingers out of the way, at least. I wonder if two holders could hold it comfortably, though? One person holding might not be stable enough for some breaks.

Ah, quite an honor, then. And now, I'll take some time to do my happy dance, for correctly recalling some correct Karate knowledge!!

I agree that the reasons that you mentioned above for studying a Martial Art are all very valid, good reasons for taking up the journey. However, I feel that along with these things, that good, practical self-defense should be a by-product of any Martial Arts training, especially if it is to be classified as a Martial Art. However, this is up to each instructor to decide for what his/her school will teach, be it right or wrong in how one looks at it...