bushido_man96

...very nice...and very true. It is a most resiliant weapon. Can you imagine a hard core Muay Thai fighter burying one of those on your thigh? OUCH!

I can see where this does have merit in tests, especially when a black belt is expected to be able to recall curriculum in a class for any lower ranked student that might be asking for help. A black belt will appear more professional if he doesn't have to ask someone else to help him help someone remember a form.

Personally therefore, I cant see the value in hanging on to traditions such as "Belt" rankings if your art is not traditional. Or do you guys wanna have your cake and eat it as well.lol What does it matter if an art is "traditional" or not? As long as it is effective, I feel that is the main measuring point. Ooh, ooh, I just got an idea for another thread.....

If "Bunkai" is to be described as soley interpretations that relate to the breakdown/application of kata movements, then I guess it is a sole component of Karate. However, I think its possible to train with applications in scenarios, without the template of a kata/form being present. I think this is what tallgeese is referring to. Perhaps it isn't Karate, but it is Martial Art. So, at some point, we're just splitting hairs. You can still achieve the same goals, but by taking different paths.

No, I guess not. They might just look at me funny.

In my group, if you make a mistake or forget a kata due to nerves for example, its an instant fail. You don't get another chance on the day, in fact you have to wait at least 6 months before you are allowd to re-take. This is because Dan gradings are as much about strength of character (as Seija says) as they are technique. If you dont know your material well enough, and or can not manage the nerves, you are not ready to grade imo. You don't get another chance in a fight after all. What do you guys think? I think that there is something to that, WNM. From what I have heard through my instructor, things used to be more stringent in the system than they are now; board breaking is one example. 2 attemps, then you sat down. No change on the testing. I think that it is something that is seen less and less, and perhaps it should be kept around, especially at the black belt level. Keeping that level of expectation high for your high ranks only improves the quality of your schools.

So Captain America will be back? Comics get crazy sometimes.

Congratulations!

12-23-08 Kicks FL front thrust kicks: 3x10 each side BL front thrust kicks: 3x10 each side FL round kicks: 3x10 each side FL round kicks, low level: 20 each side TKD class: 6:00 - 7:00. Only three of us tonight, so we did a quick basics, then reviewed some forms and black belts Do-Kangs.

Out of curiosity, how can certain pants improve the way your kata looks?

I'd say no as well. I just don't think it would work.

He lost his fight via decision: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3784052

Ryan Bader wins TUF season 8: http://phoenix.fanster.com/2008/12/17/former-sun-devil-wrestler-ryan-%e2%80%98darth%e2%80%99-bader-is-the-ultimate-fighter/ Congrats.

Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans…………….Griffin Sub Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Frank Mir…Nogueira KO Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson………Silva KO Mike Massenzio vs. CB Dollaway…………….Massenzio Dec Mostapha Al Turk vs. Cheick Kongo ………Kongo KO Dean Lister vs. Yushin Okami ………………..Okami Dec Mike Wessel vs. Antoni Hardonk ……………Wessel KO Reese Andy vs. Matt Hamill ……………………Andy Dec Brad Blackburn vs. Ryo Chonan……………..Chonan Sub Pat Barry vs. Dan Evensen……………………..Barry KO

Best of luck to him, and let us know how it turns out.

I find it so hard not to do that! We also have to put our left hand under our elbow so I usually catch myself just as the arm is moving. Was horrible last year as I had loads of interviews for the universities I applied to and I was praying that the lecturers didn't notice! I've caught myself doing that as well. Its a tough habit to break!

I'd heard that Batman was going to die here soon. Now what will DC sell?

Things are well for me. I am happy with my job right now, and am waiting patiently for my chance to move up. TKD is going well, but I have shifted a focus into getting my 1st dan in Combat Hapkido. I want to do this before I test for my next TKD rank. I'd also like to start a Combat Hapkido class at our TKD school, but I don't know if that will happen.

Emerich has had his hand in several movies like this. Independence Day comes to mind. He likes to destroy big things, and civilization in general, it seems . But, this does look interesting, and I might be willing to see it in theaters.

Good points, Joe. It doesn't always have to be about the physical; in fact, I would be willing to bet that most times, it won't be. These ideas of preparation, and just being present, can be deferences in themselves.

I don't recall that Pat Morita was a Martial Artist. Fumio Demura was his double in The Karate Kid movies.

Joe, when you land, are you then firing off and kicking with the other leg? You can do a mini switch back kick set here, if you have a timer or something. Set if for 15 or 30 seconds, and do a set or two. Good burner, if you feel you have your technique down well enough to focus on reps like this. If not, then focus on the technique, until you feel confident in it. Something that may make this faster for you is doing the 45 degree round kick, like shown in the Revolution of Kicking tutorials we watched. This version is easier to control, I think, and will be a touch faster for you, as well. However, it isn't the "full" round kick. Another variation of the switch round kick you can do is like this: instead of switching your feet and kicking, instead, do a siccor type motion with your feet, without switching the lead hand. The lead leg will be crossed and behind what was your rear foot. Then, unleash the kick with the leg crossed behind you, which was your lead leg. It might be another trick you can use. Let me know if that doesn't make sense. 12-19-08 Front leg front thrusting kick: 3x10 each side. Jab: 3x20 each side. Back leg front thrusting kick: 3x10 each side. Cross: 2x20 each side. 12-22-08 Defensive Tactics: 8:30 - 10:20. We did a lot of stick work today, and it was quite fun. We worked off some Close Quarters Combatives material, and to top it off, my workout partner bought me a pair of sticks while he was travelling, so we could work together. Merrry Christmas to me!

I have not seen chest guards that go on the inside of the uniform. I don't think they would offer quite as much protection. I use one from Choi Brothers, and it is ok, but I don't like them in general. Perhaps some from places like Kwon or Adidas would fit better.

I have never really heard of these issues before. I honestly don't think that it would fool anyone. As far as gi pants go, I think would prefer that they be functional and comfortable, as opposed to anything else.

I'm not sure, but if it weren't for politics, then I don't think we'd have so many different styles, especially under the umbrellas of Karate, Kempo, TKD, etc. Sure, there are bound to be differences between styles, due to culture and the like, but the branches of Karate, Kung Fu, etc., I think mostly come from personal differences that became political.