bushido_man96

I've been reading the Best Karate series, and I find it very informative. You might also look into this thread for some suggestions: Martial Arts Research Library

Well done! I'm glad to see that the responses here helped you out.

There are a lot of really good suggestions and advise here. Taking the time to speak with them yourself might be a good idea. Pull them off to the side after class, but don't just rip them; let the instructor handle that (for now..). Also, when it comes to "group admonishment," don't let it get to you. Just listen, answer up, and go about your business. Your instructor knows who is in trouble and who isn't, who is working hard and who isn't; and most important, you know how hard you are working. So don't sweat it; except for when working hard....

Thanks for sharing this article, tallgeese. I enjoy mitt work, and have been trying to implement some into my Combat Hapkido curriculum. I definitely think our TKD practice could use some more of it, too.

Unbelievable...so sad.

I think part of it has to do with the originality of the first movies here. They were both pretty unique, so the second ones had to play off some of what you learn in the first. So, they end up doing their things, just with some different ideas.

Work. That's about it.

I've got a serious neck problem and it doesn't seem to be going away, so I am going to take it easy the rest of this week. I may do some cardio, but not much else. We'll see if it goes away.

Nah they don't tie across, they're meant to look like it though. They overlap a little but instead of a tie they usually have a zip or velcro. Stops it coming undone but still keeps it looking a bit like a gi. Ah, so they are cleverly disguised.... I learned something new today, then. Thanks, DWx.

Enjoy your time with it. Even though it is a short form, there are a lot of nuances to it. I enjoy doing it, and I am not totally winded when I get done....

Nice article. I really like Joe Lewis's stuff, and I think that using the front kick as a stop kick is a good strategy. But, I think it is important to really learn to time the kick. I think that often someone will shuffle the back leg before lifting the front to stop kick. This is ok, if you are looking for some range, but the stop-kick isn't really a range kick; its to stop an incoming opponent. If you step in and kick as they come in, you may jam yourself up.

Thanks for the pointers, John. I do have some problems with the methods of teaching in Aikido, but I deal with that stuff on my own time. Otherwise, I go to learn the techniques and different ways of moving. At this point, I'm just sponging stuff up. I'll keep your advise in mind. Thank you.

Welcome to KF.

My thoughts go to the families and the department as well. RIP

I guess that is one thing about Kobudo that I wouldn't like; I would rather focus on one weapon, I think, if it came to requirements.

What if one is mute, and can't say either? Then the true judgement comes from demonstration.

This may sound a bit crude, but the beauty in weaponry is in its killing efficiency. After all, there isn't really any other reason to be weilding a weapon. No, one does not have to kill when weilding a weapon, but I believe it is this intrigue that is the lure of a sword to so many people.

I have never heard the actual translation of Kobudo, but those above sound reasonable. I think in terms of practice, if you like to learn about older weapon styles, then it is worthwhile. I don't gravitate to the usage of old Okinawan weaponary, but more towards those of the West, long sword, quarterstaff, sword and buckler, dagger combat, various polearms, and trusty options like the ax and the mace. But, like tallgeese mentions, if you are looking for some more practical modes of self-defense, looking to more common weapons of the today, like the knife, stick, and gun, is the way to go. But, it depends on the goal, too.

Good luck to you.

I have read a bit on it, and I know that they had a few of the originals. I always liked the Ken/Ryu rivalry, and Guile is a staple I think, as well.

Fighting and Christianity have gone hand in hand for centuries. That doesn't make it right or wrong, though; its just a fact of life. The Old Testament is rife with tales of combat, and it even has its own strongman story in Sampson. Most cultures have had to deal with combat at some point or another, and most of these cultures have religion that help to set the morals and guidelines of their culture. Fighting just happens, and the culture can reflect what they are willing to fight for.

I can't do those worth a hoot. They are tough!

4-4-09 Aikido class: 10:00 - 12:00. I got to work on all of the techniques that my rank gets tested on: Lapel grab Ikkyo, cross-wrist grab Kotegaeshi, and cross-wrist grab Kokyunage. I felt good with the initial introductions, and now I can work on them outside of class, and really focus on them. We also did a bokken kata that is a requirement for the 3rd kyus we have testing, and I kind of liked it. It was rather simple, but the sempai said I did a good job, especially with the strikes, and using my hips, etc. He said that I must have done something before, and I mentioned my SCA time, and all the reading up I have done on Western Swordsmanship. 4-6-09 Weights Bench press: 225x5, 6 fail Row: 190x5, 6 fail Military press: 125x5, 6 fail Lat pull-down: 160x6, 7 fail Leg extensions: 145x10 Leg curls: 190x10 Machine curls: 55x7, 8 fail Triceps push-down: 185x5, 6 fail Decline crunches: 2x20 Cardio: Bike for 25 minutes, then stretch. Aikido: 8:45 - 10:00. Focused on testing stuff.

4-3-09 Weights Bench press: 225x5, 6 fail Row: 190x5, 6 fail Military press: 125x5, 6 fail Lat pull-down: 160x6, 7 fail Leg extensions: 145x10 Leg curls: 190x10 Machine curls: 55x7, 8 fail Triceps push-down: 185x5, 6 fail Decline crunches: 2x20 Cardio: Bike for 25 minutes, then stretch.

I should add the tons of books that I have, plus 2 3-ring binders; one with a bunch of MA stuff in it, ranging from class planners to all of the articles and essays that I have written, along with some others done by friends and colleagues, and another that has curriculum for ATA and TTA TKD, and my Combat Hapkido requirements, plus the stuff I am putting together for my Hapkido classes. And, the Aikido curriculum book.