bushido_man96

I feel that most Aikido would offer that their art is a form of self-defense, along with their philosophical viewpoints. The student handbook of the Association I will be joining says this. I think that if a style is going to tout itself as a Martial Art, then it should be focusing on aspects of self-defense. If not, then it should be called something else.

I'd like to add a different viewpoint to this discussion now. Take a TKDer or a Karateka, who takes their time and splits it up between kicking with the feet, and punching/striking with the hands. Aren't we, in practicing these styles, essentially taking time away from one skill set, like using the feet, by focusing on both? Now, take Boxers, who only use their hands. By focusing only on hands, do they stand to become the "master of one," whereas in other MAs that use both punching and kicking, tend to be "master of none?"

I don't think that a kata is the limit of one's Martial ability. There are some stylists who don't do kata at all, and they are still great Martial Artists. Li has many great physical skills that would lend him to be a great Martial Artists, as I have mentioned previously. Perhaps he never has done kumite. I imagine he must have trained in some type of sparring at some point in his career.

Man, that's rough. I feel bad for you. My instructor has had several operations on his ankle, and one just recently done on his elbow. I can see how it gets tougher and tougher. I agree here; many don't even make it that far. In alignment with Prostar's statement: I have heard the same stat myself. 2% make it to shodan, then another 2% of those remaining make it to nidan, then another 2% is knocked off after that, etc. Its a long, hard road. If it were easy, everyone would do it.

The two things that I think are the things that can be counted on in combat, and therefore should probably be reflected in training to some extent, are that it is: 1. Dynamic 2. Chaotic These two things are guaranteed to be a part of combat, no matter what nature it falls into. Comments?

Well, why didn't you block it?!

Welcome to KF!

RIP

Week 4: Chiefs 33, Broncos 19 LJ: 28 carries, 198 yards, 2 TDs. I'd say he is back on track. He is getting the carries he wants, and he is producing. What more can you ask for? Huard managed the game very well, too. I can't wait for Croyle to get back, though. Defense was spectacular, getting 2 INTs and recovering 2 fumbles. When you go +3 in turnovers, you can usually win a game. After a game like this, it seems like there is hope after all. Its hard to watch them lose 12 straight, and I don't ever want to have to experience that again. Game recap: http://www.chiefswarpath.com/2008season/regularseason4.htm One complaint I would make was the inability to score TDs early on, and just getting the field goals. But, a win is a win, so be it. Unfortunately, rookie Tackle Branden Albert suffered an injured right elbow. Extent of the injury is not known yet, and hopefully he returns soon. The OL is thin as it is.

Man, you can find art anywhere.

Dang, Patrick. You the man! AliceBlue was a tough color, and I was over .4 or .5 with it. The bright colors were a bit better, but nothing under .3.

I'd have to take the Buick Skylark from Driver. I loved that game...

That's pretty cool. NASCAR has been doing night races for some time now, but they don't run on street courses like that. Those sights are excellent.

That sounds like it would be a blast! It could really be a great training opportunity, too. Believe this or not, but I have actually seen the movie Gotcha!...

I hear ya, tallgeese. Some of the knights, and the kings of the kingdoms...those guys are pretty nasty with them rattan sticks! Joesteph: I too think that sabre would be a good time. I prefer more slashing than thrusting.

I heard about this. That was one solid punch. Awesome.

I still have problems with nerves, too. Some people get through them ok, and some take time to get over them. One thing that might help is some pre-tourney visualization. Try to see yourself performing the way you do in class, and make sure you see yourself not nervous. It helps some people, so what the heck?

I like this statement. I would say that "my style" is probably more characterized by Hwa Rang hyung and Gae Baek or Sae Jong hyungs. Short, sweet, and powerful forms.

Evaluate your wants, your needs, and availability, and then decide accordingly. But, don't sacrifice your beliefs for someone else's.

Oyama probably picked it up from Funakoshi. The Korean styles proabably also picked it up from the experiences that the GMs would have had with Karate styles like Shotokan when they were living in Japan for schooling (Gen. Choi comes to mind). As far as an origin, it may be hard to pin down.

I agree with you Tiger. Even though my wife doesn't train anymore, she can still listen to me when I talk to her about MA, and she doesn't have that blank look on her face. Good for you, KCshuffle. Its great when you can find someone with that kind of compatibility. Perhaps you two will become great training partners, too.

That one looked kind of choreographed, if you ask me.

I don't know any stats for sure, but I think that it is possible that it could be. It seems to be a trend that crime in general keeps increasing.

I had thought of this as well, Prostar, for the side kick and roundhouse, in that your opponent, even if good at blocking, will not know which you're going to fire off, making him wait that extra half-second to see what you're doing--and so be less-prepared. I hadn't thought of the hook kick, so that's an added bonus to confuse your opponent. I think that, so long as the side kick goes straight to its target, then economy of movement and a good thrust should be its measure. I remember watching Van Damme movies, and he would use that same chamber for his kicks, too. If I try that, though, it feels like my chamber isn't as tight, and so my kick isn't taveling as far, and doesn't build as much power.

These could be remarks of modesty, but perhaps they are being honest. Movie fighting is so much different. However, I viewed the question as having Li's base skill set, i.e., his speed, strength, stamina, flexibility, etc. If I had all those, like he has, I'd focus on professional competition, as opposed to movie making.