bushido_man96

Thanks for contributing thus far, guys. I agree about the Western thought process that has made this style what it is today. I also agree that it does have a base in an Eastern style. So, I'm sure that there is likely to be as many yes answers as there could be no, but I am interested in seeing what individual takes on the matter are.

I read you here. I'm vaguely familiar with the ginga, so I understand the circumstances of the movements you are discussing here, and when you state that your art is symmetrical. Thanks for the explanations here.

6-1-09 Weights Bench press: 235x6, 7 fail Row: 200x6, 7 fail Military press: 125x5, 6 fail Lat pull-down: 170x6, 7 fail Leg extensions: 175x10 Leg curls: 205x7, 8 fail Machine curls: 60x5, 6 fail Triceps push-downs: 180x6, 7 fail Cable trunk twists: 80x10, 10 Decline crunches: 22 lbs. x 12, 12 MA Workout Aikido: 8:40 - 9:15. We worked on Aikitaisos and the three techniques from our first testing requirments. With no class over the summer, working on our own will be a major thing in keeping up. Combat Hapkido: 9:20 - 10:00. My partner covered yellow and orange belt, while I covered red belt. Cardio Bike: 20 minutes between 90 and 100 rpms.

Welcome aboard, Joe!

Ok...I'm not sure what they will do with that, but we'll see...

Hehehehehehe..... Congrats, JusticeZero!

Well, well; I say, go Magic!

RIP

Cool. I think that is the only time I have seen Chewbacca look small...

Well done, Kez! Way to keep pushing through.

Well done!

Best of luck, Dobbersky!

Congrats, Alex! Do you think you'll hit another one in the near future?

Sounds like you had a good time, and did well, tg! Congrats!

Aye aye, stay on the ground, for now. In my school, the spin heel kick and the spin hook kick are two different kicks, the spin heel version being a straight-legged kick. Its important to not let the kick have to much arc, though, or you just drag it around. Its still a fairly tight kick. Try this: set up 2 folding chairs, back to back, maybe 2 feet apart. Now, lean on a wall for balance, and hold your leg out in a side kick position over one of the chairs. The difference here is that the base leg foot isn't at a 180 degree angle (point back at the wall); it should be at 90 degrees. Now, with your leg over the first chair, keep it straight and pull it over the second chair. Keep going back and forth, holding the body in that side kick position, and building that leg muscle.

Ah, yes. Very nice. Bringing the target up like that does look good. Some bag work may be in line for some exploration of that technique. Thanks for sharing, Kuma.

So there you go. It isn't gone, it just lives in a different realm, it appears.

Would you consider BJJ to be a Western Martial Art? Just a thought to put out and generate some discussion. The floor is yours!!

Basically, its a Japanese organization handing out certs of "authentic" Japanese learning in these arts, and won't include arts outside of Japan. Not a surprise to me that TKD isn't listed there, or Hapkido, or Muay Thai, etc. However, we can teach someone what we know, as opposed to 2 levels below what we know.....

Others have mentioned "forceful exhalations" in place of kiai/kihap. I think that if you can get the student to start out with doing just forceful exhalations, then you might be on the road to gaining a full yell. After all, its the same thing, one is just more audible.

That is the way that I would look at the quote, furry_Homeboy; metaphoric, at the very least. Good explanation as well, Joe.

So, they are the same...thanks.

Unless you want to. Yes, there is that! I agree. Nothing bad happens if you wash the belt. You don't lose anything as far as experience or knowlege. Neither is there enough accurate information out there that states that "you don't wash your belt because it is tradition."

True, we all do. But.. if you have to fight out in the real world to defend yourself or a loved one, and if you are lucky enough to have a chance take a stance - your favorite side will come out quickly and there would be nothing you could do to change that. It's hard wired from your survival training in the dojo. Your body knows. One - No, not all of us practice symmetrical arts. These include Capoeira, Kali, and probably some others; Boxing, Karate, Gungfu, TKD are not at all symmetrical no matter how much people talk about 'training both sides'. Two, because I do practice a symmetrical art, if I do default to a side under stress, it will only be for a second; I cannot -not- switch sides and such. My 'on guard SD ready stance' is a 50/50 straight on position with my weight lightly shifting back and forth. I understand what you are stating here, JusticeZero. But, is it likely that once self-defense mode kicks in, would your body move into position to do a technique with your dominant side first?

Congrats, Kuma!