bushido_man96

I think that seeing these things in other venues helps to open up my forms training a bit. I do think that there are applications to the moves in the forms, and since my school doesn't do much forms applications, I can find them through other sources, such as cross-referencing my Aikido/Hapkido classes, and in other sources, like in books from guys like Abernethy and Anslow.

I think that in many MA styles, if not all, you can find many techniques that are quite simple to do. Granted, these are done in fairly static situations, and when some drunk grabs your lapel, I'd bet that trying to attack the pressure point on the inside of the elbow may not be enough to deter his intentions. But, it doesn't mean that it can't be the beginning of a combination that would push the attacker away. In any case, it is the simple aspects of the arts that make learning them easier in the beginning, and moving to more advanced stuff as time goes by.

I see what you are saying here, Joe, and it does make sense, but it doesn't necessarily work out the way you might think it does on the day of the event. I'll give you a typical scenario of a self-defense situation in my area. We'll go with the bar fight scenario, as it is the most common around here. A guy starts roughing you up, and you fight back to defend yourself. While "defending" yourself, the cops roll up, and you both get cuffed and arrested, most likely for disorderly conduct at first glance. This may not sound right, but when the cops roll up, they just see a fight; they seperate, and then evaluate. From here, you have two options if you get taken down to the station: Option 1: You say you want to give a statement (usually written) as to what happened. The officer reads you Miranda, and you give your statement (which he probably records), and then asks you to write it out. If you are able to articulate correctly what happened, then you may walk without getting charged. Option 2: The officer reads you Miranda, and then asks you if you'd like to make a statement as to what happened. You tell him no, you want your attorney present. Now you will most likely be charged with the disorderly conduct, and where I live, you would have to post a bond to get out of jail that night. So, as you can see, the ability to articulate what happend and how you reacted to the officers at that time can be very beneficial to you, if for nothing else than convenience.

Here is a title I saw in my local bookstore that might be of some interest to you: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Combat-Techniques-of-Taiji-Xingyi-and-Bagua/Lu-Shengli/e/9781583941454/?itm=2 It seemed to be pretty comprehensive, and focused on some combat applications of the internal styles.

Well, it was about due for a remake. We'll see how it goes. Since Jaden Smith is being tutored in MA now, perhaps the choreography can be a bit more convincing.

I agree, tallgeese. I like Couture here as well, but if Lesnar upsets him, I won't be surprised. He has steadily improved since his debut, and he will get to the top, eventually. He works hard, and is tough. Its hard to bet against The Natural, though.

That's a bummer, Joe. Keep looking.... 11-11-08 TKD class: 6:00 - 7:00. Class was good tonight. I have been focusing on my cross-over side kicks during basics, and am not worry about the speed so much. The way do it is pretty much a training tool more than anything, so I try to approach it that way, and work on the speed with the way I would actually throw the kick. Sparring was ok tonight, although I get tired so fast. My conditioning is really pretty non-existent. I would start the match with my side-on stance, but would gradually move to my more comfortable Boxing stance. I am getting better with lead leg kicks, especially the side kick, and even got some head-high round kicks today. The green belt I sparred with was terribly suceptible to them tonight. But, it makes him think about getting his hands up. I really wish there were some more students at my rank to work with, to really push myself a bit more.

I guess I'm not clear on your meaning of "energy punches." Could you elaborate a bit more?

I think you are correct here. Forms can have so many good uses and applications, that it is tough to think that they can be looked at as merely a bookmark in the curriculum. The other day at our Aikido class, I saw a motion that looked like a good application as a throw for the mountain blocks in our form Toi Gye.

I wouldn't bank on that. What the law might think, and what a defense attorney may try to hit you with, are two very different things.

Wow. That's the way to go out on top.

I loved the Genesis. Still do, in fact. Its still back home, with my Streets of Rage games. Loved them, too.

So, is that like a week-in-one?

I live to eat. I have a voracious appetite that is my downfall. I have lost a bit lately, but not much. And I still like second and third helpings.

The sneaker burger was cool. The 15 pounder was a lot of burger. I'd need a bottle of ketchup to get through that bad boy!

That is pretty cool.

That's cool Kez. We have had a pup for about a month now, a Boxer puppy. My wife has been reading up on the training, and I would recommend books by Ian Dunbar. He is an animal behavioralist, and his stuff is top-notch. Definitely do the crate training. It is the best for all parties involved. We also have a bunch of chew toys for him, but he likes to chew on my recliner, too. We had a talk about that, though. Like anything, though, it all takes time. But dogs are worth it, for sure.

Happy B-day Marines! Thanks for all that you do for our wonderful country.

Brilliant!

He said that it was ok to push away and create space. From there, you can re-evaluate, and re-engage if needed, or try to get away. We didn't work on re-entering or anything like that. 11-10-08 Gym Leg press: 230x20x3 Dumbell bench press: 70x10, 75x6, 80x4 Shoulder press: 84x10, 89x8, 95x6 Cable trunk twists: 50x10, 70x10x2 Decline sit-ups: 40 (very slight decline) Cable shio-nage motion: 70x10, 50x10, done on each side Pull-ups: 2 partial Combat Hapkido class: 10:15 - 11:15. Reviewed the yellow belt curriculum, and then moved into the orange belt stuff. We spent a lot of time on the arm bars, working on minor technicalities, and trapping and distracting at the same time. On the cross grabs, we spent a lot of time on shio-nage, which is still giving me some fits. We also spent quite a bit of time on the breakaways, focusing on our foot position for follow-up attacks, and on footwork for trapping.

$45 per month is a good deal to me. Only 1 class a week, though, would be rough.

I agree as well. Yes, it will help, and yes, you should get started right away! . If you don't, then the wait will go on until you just don't do it. I've seen this happen a lot. So just get to it, is what I say. Welcome to the Forums as well!

Ah. That's a good question. I know that there are some that like to fight from a back stance. Perhaps that is where the influence came from.

I'll see what I can find, but I don't think there is a lot of online info about it. One thing interesting about the style was that their cat stance wasn't as drawn in as other styles. It was more like a back stance, with the front foot up on the balls of the feet, and more weight toward the front. They would primarily direct low line front kicks with the front leg from it.

I agree. Its a bit tough with all the Japanese floating around in there.