bushido_man96

It makes sense, though. You offer some vulnerability in exchange for trust.

Yes I agree, but there comes a point where you have to stop your imagination overtaking common sense. Unfortunately, there seem to be quite a few "high profile" authors of karate bunkai books these days that seem to "pray" on junior karate-ka's lust for the rapid and total understanding of karate-do with theories and applications that are so creative and imaginary some deserve an Oscar. Don't get me wrong, they serve their purpose to an extent, but they are no substitute for a knowledgeable instructor in my eyes. In referring to these books, would you be alluding to the likes of Iain Abernethy?

Level of committment in training...good analogy there. Train as hard as you can to make things as easy as possible for yourself.

Why beat around the bush, eh? That is pretty much the meat and potatoes of it, really.

I have used elbows in blocking to great success, especially against kickers. It works wonders. I have a pretty good frontal stance that I usually use, and I can slug pretty well from it. I can use a front kick from it to gain distance, but side kicking from it is a bit tougher.

I hear that Superfoot seminars are a lot of fun. I'd like to try it sometime. When I was at my ATA certification camp, then GM H.U. Lee held a class every evening that we practiced in. That was pretty fun. I've also been to a seminar with the GM of my current organization, GM Chae Sun Yi.

What is sad is the moment his eyes become open, his inability to accept what you have said may cause them to close just as fast.

Congratulations!

Welcome to KF! My main style is Taekwondo, but I also practice Hapkido, and recently took up Aikido. I enjoy aspects of them all, but TKD is my favorite, I think. I really like challenging myself in kicking, and it pushes me to improve myself.

Way to go, Phillies! Very well deserved.

From what I understood, they offered studies in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese style. Classes also included the country's history, culture, religion, philosophy, etc. So, you get a pretty in-depth background. I also believe the MA courses are offered on the campus.

Congrats, and I wish you only happiness and well-being.

Very nice. It is kind of sad that hood ornaments are falling out of favor. It used to be one of the discernable features of your ride.

But any special reason, Brian? I'd come back as a man because, from what I've observed, I think life makes more demands on you when you're a woman. I guess just because I don't have a problem with it. And switching would just be weird.

This is pretty self-explanatory. Name your favorite movie fight scene here. Throw up a vid if you find it, too. I have two. One is the last scene in Rocky V, the street fight between Tommy Gun and Rocky. Awesome. I'll get information on the other later. What are yours?

10-29-08 Went for a walk tonight. I pushed our boy in the stroller, and my wife walked our puppy. Joe: I'm still having a bit of trouble interpreting your statement. To answer as best I can, most of our grabs come from the hands being down at our sides, and the grab is pinky lowest. I do think that beginning to work on grabs from being in a guard position would be a good idea.

Are you referring to a 10-man kumite, by chance?

Kiba dachi is horse stance, right? And zenkutsu dachi is front stance, correct?

If I knew a bit more about Tai Chi, I'd gladly help. But, anything I give you is guesswork at this point. However, I hope you do find some advise. Have you checked websites, to see if you can contact any master that way?

Cung Le has used a side kick to pretty good effect in his fighting venues. He has spent years honing it, though, and I think it is used mainly as a setup. It also does a good job of stopping an advancing opponent.

Being 5'7", I rarely have the height advantage. So, when I spar, I like to get inside the big guys, and hammer away with my hands. Once I drive them back a bit, I try to finish with a kick as they leave punching range. Uppercuts and body hooks are the order of the day for me. However, I have been working on a different fighting strategy of late, more along the lines of what Bill Wallace used to do, taking a side-on stance, and using the front leg primarily, and setting up counters and combinations off the back leg. As for fighting against the smaller opponents, I try to use the slight height advantage that I do have to keep them out. Using a front leg side kick is good for when they come within distance, and then when they do close, then we both just slug it out. Also, since they are shorter, it makes head kicking less work. So, I'll get into that, too.

Whether you look toward the eyes or the chest area, I have read a very good analogy on vision during a fight. Where ever you look, you don't focus like a laser, but instead like a flashlight, where you can take in more of the opponent's body.

Here's the thread we ran a while back on the Bridgeport MA college: http://www.karateforums.com/you-can-now-get-a-b-a-degree-in-ma-in-the-usa-vt30350.html?highlight=college+martial+arts

Hey Joe. You're going to have to elaborate a bit more on the up and down positions. If you can clarify, then I might be able to shed some light on the subject.

The styles that you have mentioned there is probably a good starting point as to identifying the major Karate branches.