bushido_man96

Yep, pretty much working. I am hoping that I can maybe make at least one trip this summer to do a Combat Hapkido testing, but we'll see how that works out.

Martial Law. I enjoyed it, but it didn't last, either.

This is such a good topic! One of my favorites. I think that we all go through stages like this, when rank is present. I began taking MAs to learn self-defense, and because it was a general interest of mine; my dad had done it in the past. However, I must admit that when I began testing for rank, I liked testing and earning higher rank. I don't think it is wrong to feel some pride about working hard and earning a reward. But keeping it in context is important. At this point in my MA career, I don't view rank as that high of a priority. Instead, I view knowledge and application as the high priority. I'm not concerned about my rank, but about whether or not what I know will work for me, and if I can apply it when the time comes. The generalities and formalities that tend to bog down many Martial Arts is not a focus of mine; the meat of the MAs is what concerns me. When discussing ranks and belt systems, I like to use this analogy: compare a typical Eastern-style Martial Arts class with styles like Boxing, Wrestling, and Thai Boxing. In the belt class, you see the rank, and have an expectation of where to be in line, and how to answer to everyone (respect senior students, etc). Now take the Boxing, Wrestling, or Thai gyms, or even an MMA gym now. When you get into the gym and begin to train, you don't see the rank system; you just see guys training, working on their fighting. Now, what you find out is that as you work with everyone, you see where they fall as it is with skill level, teaching/coaching knowledge, etc. You won't see the rank and file of lines filling a room prior to the workout, denoting who is high and who is low rank. You find out where you fall as you train. The guys who are better, you look to for questions. The guys below you may look to you. You find the guys about your level and become training partners if you can, or you choose to get whooped by the good ones, to help you get better. Plus, without the rank and file being laid out for you, there tends to be more willingness to mix and mesh with anyone in the group, asking questions of anyone comfortably, not concerned with how you should approach or address them. Sometimes, I think that rank systems can get in the way more than they help.

Well sure! Who said a rivalry can't be friendly?

That is a good post. I am aware that the Old Testament isn't how things are really done anymore, but I think it is an important link to how things were, and where some beliefs come from. The Ten Commandments are another of what is taken from the Old by those who like to use it as a moral code of conduct, which wouldn't be much unlike those codes seen in many MA schools. However, thanks for the information. I'm not up to snuff like I used to be, so it is fun to compare notes at times.

This thread is focused on complete inventory; not just that confined to a gym bag. So if you have more at home, feel free to add it in. I have some ideas in mind, but I am curious as to what you use the folding chair for?

If you really work hard on a front leg front kick, you can get some power in it, but for the most part, I agree with DWx that it is easier to generate power from the back leg. Stepping the back leg up to the front leg, or past, and then kicking with the front leg can give it some more power, but it becomes really telegraphed at that point.

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.