bushido_man96

Still kicking, I don't think that it is wrong to channel negative feelings/energy into training, either. Being really ticked off and angry can be a good way to really make you want to go all out and really work hard. I also think that it is still possible to focus when one is angry. One can be angry and still in control, I feel. If you can channel any kind of energy like that to physical work, I think it pays off, in the end.

I don't view it as a negative or defeatist mindset, but more of the need to be ready to deliver that next blow. Not doubting, but being extra pepared.

I think you make some solid points here. I haven't struck anyone in the head with a fist, so I don't know what the results would be for me, but I have struck some pretty solid objects in the past, with no ill effects. But, everyone reacts differently. I also agree from the LEO/Corrections standpoint on how the open hand strikes look, especially in court. Now, if you happen to be outnumbered, or the assailant has a weapon, using the closed hand might be easier to justify. But in that case, you could justify escalating to weaponry, too.

I think the name change has something to do with moving from more of an Okinawan derivative to a Japanese derivative, but I can't be sure. Or, it may be to move from a Chinese influence to a Japanese influence.

I wouldn't say that most of today's MAs are rooted in Shaolin. That tends to be what is propogated the most through the Bodhidarma myth, but I don't think that there is much actual evidence to substantiate it. Although some Karate systems may have adopted some techniques from styles of Kung Fu, they still retain many of their own techniques from the various Te and Tegumi of old.

There are many opinions on the value of breaking in the Martial Arts, and is probably best left to discussion in a thread focused on such. However, I do understand what you are saying about hitting those bumps in the road that make you feel like you should be "there." I think we all hit those bumbs, from different angles, and they are the kinds of things that make us sit up and realize that we can be better, and now we know it. You have to wonder if, without failure, can we learn as much from our successes?

I've heard similar arguements for the 3/4 turned fist. I have tried all of them out on the bag, but never on a makiwara. It appears that when you read up on the physiology of the matter, that the vertical or 3/4 fist tend to be what is preferred.

Keep up the hard work.

Great article, tallgeese. I like the outline, and I can see how it can be taken to fit into any style. Thanks for taking the time to lay this out.

3-26-09 100 Push-ups Week 5, Day 2: 10, 10, 13, 13, 10, 10, 9, 25 = 100 TKD testing: 6:30 - 8:15. Testing went well tonight. We did a demo at the beginning, that went ok. I tried my two level round kick break; got the first, bounced the second. When I reared back to get that top board, I had to take 2 more attempts at it. I hate it when I do that, but the ball of my foot has been feeling it for a while. It was a pretty tough board. But, I'll keep working at it, and hopefully get it next time. We had 3 white belts test, which was nice, and they did well. Next were our orange belts; 2 low and 3 high orange, and they all did well, too. Then we had a low and a high blue belt, and a high brown belt. Overall, it was a pretty good test.

I was watching an interview on Fox Movie Channel with John Cena being interviewed by three students of filmmaking. The last question of the segment was asked in a manner that went something like this: "We're students, still learning. What's the most important lesson you can send us away with?" or something to that affect. John Cena's answer was: "Be responsible for your actions." As simple as this may seem, I think it isn't said enough, and isn't preached enough. No one likes to be wrong, or on the side of things where something may have fallen through, but it is important that people learn to "man up" and take responsibility of their actions. I see a lot of people where I work that want to always point blame in other directions, and try to wiggle their way out of something that they did wrong. Teaching responsibility is something that we could use more of.

Well, it looks like it has potential. I'd rather see it dubbed, though. I can't stand to read a movie I am trying to watch.

"Never judge a book by its cover" comes to mind....

As long as you are enjoying it, and you feel you are benfitting from what you are learning in self-defense as well as other aspects, then that is great. Training outside can be fun at times. My dad tells me about the "old" days when he did TKD, and there were only 5 belt ranks. At times, I don't think I would mind going back to that setup.

If you are reffering to the above, I don't really think that it is too simple. In the end, it is what it is. Instead of worrying about if we are doing the same thing that a gentleman that lived in the 1600s is doing, we should be focused on whether or not what we are doing now is going to work for us.

Thanks for sharing these clips. Its very cool that you got to have so many experiences with someone like him.

I'm a bit confused by what you are saying here, WNM. I don't quite understand what you are getting at; could you elaborate a bit more for me, please? 1. Kihon (moving basics/line work) = Kata 2. Solo Kata ie Pinan Nidan etc = Kata 3. Yakusoku Kumite (pre-arranged sparing/pair work) = Kata If, by the utilising the process Bunkai, you break out techniques from the kata, develop them into fighting techniques that you then drill with a partner, what you are in fact doing is creating another type 3 Kata. 4. Jiyu Kumite (free fighting) - is NOT kata. To transit between 1,2,3 and then onto 4 you must "step out of the kata". I have to go teach now, but I will try to write some more later when I get back, because it is a very important subject to me - and not one that is easy to grasp. WNM That helps clear things up a bit. Thank you, WNM.

During the naming process, the characters were changed to get rid of the Chinese connection, I think, to make it more of a Japanese thing. I think. Karate, from what I understand, has always been a civillian form of self-defense. The hand-to-hand combat that the warrior class of Japan used was early Jujitsu. Its not likely that pressure point usage was common on the battlefield, due to the use of armor.

Well, it comes down to who teaches it to you, and why. I think that in many "traditional" styles, aesthetics are an important aspect of technique, and thus, could be the result of the thumb tucked in tight position. I have seen the thumb out position, and I'm sure that it is a viable option, as well. I think that you just have to watch for that thumb getting grabbed, is all. If chopping downward, toward a low target (say, a bent over opponent), then thumb out may not be of concern. Overall, I'm not sure if there is a physical advantage to one over the other.

That is great. I look forward to seeing a few of them chime in. The more, the merrier!

I think the bokken would function a bit better, since the jo is a bit longer than the bokken, and not balanced as such.

I would like to see how that comes out. I couldn't get the trailer to work. I'll try again later.

Cool. Thanks.

I'm glad to hear that your knife work is coming along for you. Its cool to see that you gave it a pretty good litmus test, too. Did the guys you worked with have any tips to offer you, as well? 3-25-09 Weights Power clean & jerk: 135x5, 5 Dead lift: 155x10, 185x8 Ab wheel: 10 Cardio: Bike for 25 minutes, then had a really good stretch.

I'm a bit confused by what you are saying here, WNM. I don't quite understand what you are getting at; could you elaborate a bit more for me, please?