bushido_man96

At age 46, I'm not sure what to expect from him. Hopefully, it'll be a good fight.

We may be making too big a deal out of the Slice loss. I'm not saying that he's the best fighter out there, but what if we match him and the Silverback up 2 more times, and see what the results were? What do you think?

I think that this is usually at the discretion of the instructor. I went from one TKD org to another, so I moved up a few belts each test. I would not expect this in the Aikdo classes I take, as they don't relate that much. Likewise, I wouldn't expect the same to happen in a Karate class, either. In the end, it may depend on the student's ability to assimilate the curriuclum, and at what level of understanding.

10-8-08 Aikitaisos Irimi motion: 40, 20 on each side. Tenkan: 40, 20 on each side. Austrailian push-ups: 2x10. These really worked my biceps.

Its cool! I am really enjoying the classes. There are some differences in the breakfalls that I do in Hapkido and what we do in Aikido, and I am having to spend some time adjusting. The Aikitaisos are still perplexing, but I have been practicing a few of them on my own, and even found a way to integrate one of them into the DT workout I did this week. Its just another example of how the various MA styles really do cross over.

Thanks again, rmclain.

That is pretty cool. It harkens to a time when more of the world's leaders were actually warriors prior to their rules...

It sounds to like you might take sword arts as an example. I think that you are right here. Its hard to argue the practicality of using sword combat today, unless you can actually carry a sword now and then.

I have heard some people say that they like to get their back to a corner when fighting multiples. I don't know how good of an idea this is, but I can see the pros and cons of it. At least you know there isn't anyone behind you.

Congrats on your promotion!

Cool. Its these little things that we take for granted when we see new game technology come out, I think.

I won't miss any of those words....

Some cool concepts there.

Very funny!

Yeah, I'd say stick with it. Its just another obstacle to overcome.

Interesting story. They make a good point by stating that they had Slice matched against a ground fighter in the first place. Who knows.

Congrats on your first board break! Its quite fun, isn't it? There aren't many things more satisfying than hearing the crack of that wood. 10-6-08 Pull-ups: 2 partial, then 2 assisted, then 4 assisted, at a lower setting on the machine. I have noticed a difference when I use a grip that isn't so wide. Push-ups: 20 Defensive Tactics: 10:15 - 11:30. We had a pretty good session here today. We started with doing forearms strikes on BOB. Then we worked into doing statue drills with forearms strikes. Block-Pass-Pin drills came next, then Block-Pass-Pin with inserts, with the inserts consisting of some forearm strikes. The next drill was the forearm clothesline, done against a roundhouse punch, and then a straight punch. Block-Pass was used to defend the punches, along with a motion we do in Aikido called "irimi," in which we would do basically a steal-step to get behind the attacker, and then we drive the forearm through their body at a downward angle. A reap or trip is optional. We then moved on to a head-twist takedown. We used the same "irimi" motion to get past the punch, but instead of closthelining, we would get behind the attacker, seize the chin and head, and then twist to a takedown, lying the attacker flat on their belly to then cuff or whatever. We then worked a variation where we pulled the attacker back onto our bent front leg (like resting them on the front leg of a front stance). Then we applied an attack to the arms, like turning a steering wheel, which would twist them over onto their belly again, where we could control and cuff. This last option would allow us to control one of the arms when the attacker ended up on their face, which is good for cuffing, etc. This module that we did had a good sense of flow to it, and started with the forearm strikes, and stayed with the forearm theme for the most part. I think that using the forearms as attacking tools is often overlooked, and it is a great tool for combat, especially as a gross motor skill. Later in the day... Side kicks lying on the floor: 3x10 on each side. 10-7-08 Park: Pull-ups: 8 total, and the first 2 were close to being full.

Very nice as well.

If a Martial Art isn't going to lend itself to combat effectiveness, then, in my opinion, it should not term itself a Martial Art. It is something else at that point. I don't think I am missing the point, really. I just have a hard and fast rule as to what I feel the Martial Arts, all Martial Arts, should offer in order to fall under that umbrella term. Doing something for healthful reasons is never a waste of time. But I do believe that each activity, be it Karate or calligraphy, should have its goal. One is to create beautiful handwriting. The other is to create self-defense skills. There are still Tai Chi instructors out there that teach the combative applications of the style. So, it can be a good Martial Art. Otherwise, it is just exercise. I don't agree. It is the Martial aspects of a system that make it a Martial Art. Otherwise, it is just art or exercise. I agree here, if the instructor fails to address the self-defense aspects of the style. Yet, it is the fault of the instructor being misleading, and a Martial Art should be able to convey good self-defense, if the instructor is doing his job correctly.

I haven't heard of it. Maybe I'll check into it.

Yes, take it. Don't hold back, even on the instructor. You'll find yourself doing at other times, too, and that won't bode well for your training at all.

Can't help with the style question. Sorry. As for stretching, there are so many different stretches you can do, and at this point, any of them will begin to enhance your flexibility. Enhance flexibility's greatest asset is injury prevention. Being able to head kick is a nice side light, but not a necessary one. That said, I would work on some side splits, and some front splits, both seated and raised up on your heels. Hold each stretch for anywhere from 20 seconds to a minute at a time. Using a bench to stretch your legs will help as well. Reverse hurdle stretches are good for the hamstrings, too. Give these a whirl, and see how you do. Stretch for around 15 minutes to 30 a day. Everyday is great, but even every other day will help. Welcome to the Forums!

I agree. The reason that a group attacks one person is to put a simultaneous beat down on him. Not to line up and "take their turn." If you can identify a leader, its best to try to single him out, and take him out. Keep blasting him until you can get away.

If you like a grittier side of fantasy, then you should check out George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. Really good reads.

Welcome to KF!