bushido_man96

KillerMiller is a big proponent of "Breathing Timing," and he explains it quite well. Hopefully, he chimes in here soon with his take. As for me, I don't have any particular concepts in mind, other than to make sure that I do breathe. Typically, I exhale forcefully when executing an individual technique, like in basics. In forms, or basic combinations, sometimes I'll breathe in between a set of techniques, and exhale throughout a series of moves. That's about it for me. Good topic, though. I await other replies, as well.

As opposed to the rank, I would think about the knowledge you can gain in 5 years.

Thanks, Alex. And yes, things are looking better now. I was glad to see that when I got to class, emotion didn't take over, and effect my training.

True on the LEO standpoint. Our hands are tied, for the most part, as we can't pre-empt with a strike, so it tends to become a wrestling match or a foot chase really soon. What I see discussed above is a lot of ring generalship. That isn't as useful in self-defense, as it is in competition, I don't think.

I see your point here. I know that as one gets better at something, it is hard to imagine that someone else struggles with something that we might view as simple, like a front stance. But, I try not to expect too much out of them, but I want them to get good, and feel confident. I guess one problem that I have with my system is that the testing cycles are right at two months, regardless of rank. The instructor can hold us back, if he chooses to, but each belt has a minimum two month cycle. I think at first few, it could be 3, then maybe 4 at the intermediate, then putting time in at the higher ranks. Of course, I'd like to see a more in-depth curriculum implemented at my school, too. But, that is another problem...

I agree here, but if you take my case, where we work head kicks more than some, and nothing below the belt, there is less of a transition from sparring to self-defense. Also starting at distance, as opposed to mixing that up from time to time, etc. In the case of Caporiea, I think it is important to look at how things are done in the roda. It is really unique, and they know that in the roda, they are moving against another that is moving like them, with the circles, spins, etc, and that kind of movement won't be the same in rote self-defense, I think.

JusticeZero, thank you for your explanations of the roda, and behind it. I think that your assessment of how many other styles of sparring are looked at is close, too. I think that Caporeia is one of the most beautiful arts to see practiced, too. Those guys and gals have talent. As to tallgeese's questions, here goes: Not as integral as I'd like it to be. We spend the bulk of our time on basics, forms, then one-steps, before getting into sparring. White belts and low orange belts don't typically spar, but do combinations with a partner, to get used to moving and throwing out techniques. This is just our school, too; others may spend more time sparring, but our instructor likes to make sure that technique is good, first. The role that it plays in our system is basically a way to learn to execute TKD kicks and punches while moving with another. Its main focus is to learn distance, timing, and other skills like blocking, countering, and developing reaction time to counter techniques while using footwork as well. No, not really. Some of our higher ranked one-steps could make good TKD sparring combos, using lead leg side kicks followed by spinning kicks to advance on an opponent, but unless you work on transitioning the combination to sparring, it doesn't help much. Sparring tends to be all its own, mainly because of its target restriction and point system. Nothing we really do with forms or one-steps is translated into sparring. We use the Olympic/WTF style sparring rules, wearing chest protectors, headgear, and gear covering the knuckles, hands, and forearms, and the instep and shin. No knee strikes or elbows, no takedowns, throws, or sweeps. Kicks and punches to the front of the trunk (nothing to the back), and kicks only to the head. Our organization tournament does a point style, but with the body displacement rule (trembling shock). Otherwise, tournaments we attend usually use WTF rules of continuous sparring in 2 minute rounds. What the system gains is a sport aspect of competition, that can attract those interested in competing against their peers.

Welcome aboard! Nice to meet you, as well.

I remember the 1985 movie. It was ok; kind of cheesey. This one should be interesting to check out.

I agree completely, Tiger.

Careful there, Alex, your dating yourself.... Congrats to the crew that put The Simpsons together.

I don't remember; I think it was local, but I'm not sure...

Maiming a guy's eyes just for trying to punch you won't go over too well in the court system. This is going to vary from situation to situation. If the attacker has verbally announced that his intent is to cause bodily harm to you (in not so many words... ), then you may be able to articulate it to a court. I like the idea behind the shield. It is much like a Boxing guard, and the use of the elbows is nice, too. It also demonstrated usage against a shooting takedown.

I don't necessarily view this as the true goal of the Martial Arts. It may be the goal and personal philosophy of many, but I don't think it is fair to blanket all Martial Artists into this ideal. For many practitioners, the goal is to become a better fighter. And I think that this is ok.

As an instructor, if I see a student who is not getting it, I try to make it a point to help them to get it. I have said before, it is easy to teach the students with talent.

That looks like fun! Body contortion is cool!

That sounds pretty cool.

Even if you don't like the reasons that you started for, at least they got you started...

The instructors should be able to show you some stretching routines to help your legs out. Stretch regularly, every day if you can, and you will see improvement. And I agree with the others; go out there and have fun....and keep your hands up!

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm not a quick counter-type guy, but when I am in open stance, I try to spin side kick at times. The spin heel kick is one that is a treat, too, and after seeing that one a few times, guys tend to bail out on you once you start to spin (as far as our type of sparring goes). However, sometimes, I'll just block and absorb the kick, then move in with punches until they back away, and land my own kick. So now, what kind of footwork do you apply to the defense, if any?

I agree with tallgeese. The bouts you see on TV are usually pros fighting for a purse; so they go hard. The training, however, will likely be much more focused, and allow you to develop your hands and footwork, and teach you how to move, duck, slip, etc. When they spar in the gym, it will likely be controlled, and not a fight to knockout. I think if you gave it a try, you would like it. I know I would.

I had been thinking about this for about a week now, as I was having a very trying week last week; one of the most trying of my life. I'll not go into the details, but this post helped me to marshall my thoughts for a thread: Like a family man/woman, we know it is important to not bring work home with us. At the same time, we shouldn't take home or work to the dojo/school with us. So last week, when I finally got to hit a class, I didn't know how I was going to react mentally. I was having one of those weeks when you just want to beat on something, to let all that stress out, mainly because you just constantly think about what is bothering you. But, when I got to class, and started warming up, and working out, it all went away; it just put itself on hold it seemed like. During class, I didn't worry about what was bothering me, but worried about the normal TKD class things; am I leaning over a bit when I do my side kick? Am I locking my back leg compeletly in my front stances? Am I getting good pivot on my round kicks? Those are the things I thought of. I'll tell you this, going to class that night was probably one of the best things I could have done that week. And when I sparred, my problems didn't come back, either. I was just myself, and I think that was very important.

I agree here, too. It has to be akin to leaving your work at work, and not taking it home with you. ...and, this is good fodder for another thread....

My thoughts as well. I don't really buy into the Ki flow and all that. I don't know that Bruce Lee ever said anything about Ki being a part of the technique, either.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Chi Sao.