bushido_man96

I don't know, I've never really stopped to think about that. I guess I just do.

I do agree that self-control should be adhered to, and I don't look at things like adrenaline rush, excitement, etc., as reasons to lose self-control. They can act their way, and I'll act my way. In the end, can I change them? I can try, but would I want that forced on me? I digress...

Hey now, what's wrong with being round???.....

I think the head kick/no hands rule is primarily designed to develop skill in kicking, and to keep a match from becoming a Boxing match or brawl. As far as what an "MA technique" is, I think any technique is an "MA technique," but that's another thread, I guess.

He'll probably work his way towards something more promising, if he's that good. It would be cool to see.

I have never done the sine wave in my TKD practice, and from what I have seen of it, I don't care for it. There are claims that it adds power, but I have never seen an ITF form performance that I regarded as powerful. Perhaps I have just not seen enough, but it appears to me that the sine wave is overused, and it kills the continuity of the performance of the hyung. I am reading a book right now called The Tae Guek Cipher, and I really liked the section it had on the history of the Kwans. You might look into it for a reference. TKD has influences from Karate and Chinese MAs, Chuan Fa being the most prominent, I believe.

That's great, Kez. I hope he really enjoys it, and carries on with you.

Is it a good book? Would you recommend it?

Another I would be willing to try is some Filipino style, like Arnis.

Hehe...maybe....

I have had some different ideas floating through my mind lately, and perhaps will add this in, and try to mess with it a bit.

Yeah, I'd say that sounds about right. JJ was the combat art of Japan; Karate has been cited as a civilian self-defense system.

No, I haven't tallgeese. Perhaps I'll mention it. Who knows, it might help to bring in new students. I know that I could take a block and give them some Combat Hapkido experience, and perhaps even work in some Aikido with one of the other students. We don't have a lot available around here, but I know we could work into something. We'll see if the instructor will be very willing to listen. Like I said, "if it were my school..."

Hey John. I'm not sure if you were referring to my post or not, but it applies, so here goes....I don't simply mean internalizing combinations. That is part of it, but not the end of it. Its important to internalize the proper ways of moving, and learning to apply similar concepts to varying situations. Not just jab, cross, hook all the time on mitts. Perhaps I over-simplified the concept, but that was not my intention. I hope that this helps clarify what I mean. It doesn't mean that I'm not still wrong, though... tallgeese: I have done a small sample of not randori in Aikido, but a more restricted, less random form of it. I do see the applications, and perhaps the better I get at it, the more I'll be able to work into my training elsewhere. Perhaps I can find a place for it in my Combat Hapkido curriculum.

Good strategy, Tiger1962, killing two birds with one stone, huh?

How does your Sensei handle this situation, Kez? Hopefully, he has done something to rectify these actions. To tori: I understood what you are getting at. Yeah, it is unfortunate to hear that kind of talk going on at tourneys, but when practitioners get serious about competing, especially at a high level, I think you end up seeing more of this. I think that some competitors will even try to do this gain a psychological edge in competition, but I could be wrong.

This is a tough one; it can change for me at times, and has changed over the years. I suppose after I type this, it will change again, eventually. I think that a black belt should be able to demonstrate every physical requirement up to the point that they have reached that the art ecompasses. Forms, one-steps, sparring concepts, etc. I also think that a black belt should not only be able to demonstrate such things, but should also be able to teach the basics of the style to new students, or be able to demonstrate and explain the hows and whys of the style to the layperson. Although I feel that personal characteristics like integrity, courtesy, respect, and the like can be enhanced from the training of Martial Arts, I feel more so that these are things that normal, morally, ethically, and legally responsible human being should already harbor. My job is to explain to them when and where it is morally, legally, and ethically adequate to use their skills. A black belt should be able to demonstrate this knowledge, as well. I think a black belt should be able to defend themselves if need be, as well, and should have a good working knowledge of self-defense. I don't think that they need to be prepared to fight in a competition of any kind, however, a level of physical fitness should be adhered to, as well. Last of all, I would expect a black belt to be an ambassador of their school/club, and to think about what they do, and how it may reflect upon their school/club. With rank, does come responsibility.

I have heard the school of thought stating that push-ups should never be given as punishment; something about associating punishment with more physical improvement work not working out in the mind, or something. I think that sitting out might be more appropriate, like ninjanurse suggested. However, both have their drawbacks. But, punishments aren't supposed to be fun, and I guess some kind of consession has to be made.

Very nice, John. Thanks for the wishes. Being with family is one of the best parts of the Holidays now. I really appreciate it more now like my parents did when I was younger; being with the folks, having the kids/grandkids around. Good stuff. That said, any way that I can get more funding to buy books this Holiday season will be great....

I thought I was going to see a fight. Little guy had the right idea, though.

Wow, that's a trip back, isn't it?

The photo with the whale was breathtaking. Awesome.

Good job!

I do not know of any at this time in my training and what I have read so far. For tournaments my Sensei has me throw my kicks high because they "look better" and to be able to compete with competitors that do not do traditional katas. I agree. Not many did. More do now, but just because a kick is thrown high in a kata performance, doesn't mean that it can't be done lower, in application.

Well, Wa-No-Michi, you and I see eye-to-eye on more things than we thought. I agree with you here, especially with adults. Not that I don't think anyone can change, but only if they want to, not if I want them to. I don't really think that this is the case. At least, not that I have seen. As a parent, I think it is important to relay to our kids to respect our neigbors, and try to teach that accordingly.