bushido_man96

I agree with your assessment here, tallgeese. I don't have a problem with taking a lifetime to master a system, but at the same time I feel that the system should make you a competent fighter relatively quickly. And then what...? Exactly. I never said that one should seek competent self-defense skills within 6 months, and then quit. However, I do know that many people have time constraints that just don't allow them to train full time. Therefore, if they can take several courses over a period of time to get better at defending themselves, then I see no reason to frown upon it.

I like these, Zanshin. Thanks for sharing them. Good notes on common sense, too, guys.

That is an aspect that hadn't occured to me, Zanshin. Initiating such a "policy," so to speak, is a good idea for controlling the actions of others.

I agree, mastering the depth of a system can take years, or a lifetime, or however you want to say it. I have been sticking with it for 14 years now, so I am not a "one and done" seminar kind of guy. However, I believe that you can make the study of Martial Arts as deep or as shallow as you like. You can get spiritual, or you can stay within the physical aspects. Placing a focus on either one doesn't make one any less or any more of a Martial Artist, in my opinion. One's spiritual expedition is another's focus on survival.

I have known of instructors that have had this problem, too. I think it is just an issue that many people have with someone who appears to be an authority figure to them. Many times, the more tenured colored belt ranks, and even some of the lower dan black belts, will be approached more often than the head instructor. It can be good and bad. As that person, it is important to let the other students know that they should approach the head instructor with some of their questions from time to time.

Hey, wasn't there a singing group called Mister Mister???

Cool. Different, too.

Man that's cool. The detail is amazing. I would almost feel bad eating a cake like that.... ....almost....

I love it. Only in baseball, baby!

I would worry a bit, because if the training is done right, the instructor(s) are going to be putting a bit of fear into the hearts of the ladies, so that when they do attack it will be "with meaning...." So, just be ready to protect the ole jewels! I think it is a great thing, and it should be fun for you.

Congrats to Evans. That was a good punch. ESPN even highlighted it.

I can only control what a student does in class. What he does outside of class, as far as research and learning, is his/her own deal. If I see something that concerns me as far as technique, I would mention something and try to help correct it. Otherwise, its their own road to hoe. Let 'em go!

I would agree that Kuk Sool Won probably does have Japanese and probably other influences, like Chinese. Most Korean MAs do. There really just isn't any "original" Korean MAs out there from their "ancient" past.

Perhaps using a merger is the WTF's way of trying to snuff out a bit of competition? Just thinking out loud...

Boxing may be practiced as a sport today, but at one time, it was a more inclusive form of Martial Art. And never, to my knowledge, in that art were the hands held at the hip or ribs. They were always up to guard. The Boxing guard is still a viable "basic" position, and the body can still generate power in punches from this position.

I think you can take what you learn in Karate and apply it to a Kickboxing ruleset. The contact will be a good teacher I think. It only offers the standup aspect of the fight, but it is a place to look at for some feedback.

It isn't really jumping any processes. Like tallgeese mentioned, it is a basic form of training, but just different from the basic training of Karate.

In our Combat Hapkido sessions, we use strikes as "distractions" to loosen up the grabs to facilitate easier locks. However I don't like the connotation of the word "distraction;" it makes me think of flies buzzing around your head or something. I much prefer the term "destruction;" if I am going to hit someone, I am going to hit with the intention of getting the job done with the strike. And if I don't, then I'll finish the job with more strikes or then into the joint lock.

I agree with your assessment here, tallgeese. I don't have a problem with taking a lifetime to master a system, but at the same time I feel that the system should make you a competent fighter relatively quickly.

yep! Its adding that element of the adrenaline dump that helps to make that training all the more valuable. I think I may have to try some of those ideas eventually.

There is a lot to be said about practicing in less than ideal attire. Early this year, a buddy of mine on the PD and I took a ground fighting tactics course put on by our state Law Enforcement Training Center. The instructor said he use to train a few of the courses with full duty belt on. Try rolling around on the ground on your back, attempting sweeps and such, while you have bulging packages of cuffs, pepper spray, taser, and your gun holster around your hips and waste. It really changes everything.

Good points. I think there is a lot to that. I pretty much agree with your sentiments here. But, I look at it a bit differently. I don't like having titles used much, especially outside the school. However, I like for the students of the school to feel that they can approach me about anything school related, or otherwise, at any time, either outside or inside the school. I don't want them to view me as some unapproachable persona that they can only visit with or ask questions of once they bow into the dojang. I try to present that "side" of the instructor/sensei aspect all the time. Does that make sense? I'm kind of rambling here....

I see two points here, Tori. As I interpret the "bullet responders," they don't know what they are talking about because they haven't experienced it, and it is very likely that they have never taken a martial art based on their own fears (such as not being able to do it, or do it well, or even that they'll be hurt in the dojang), and even mundane procrastination. By presenting an overwhelming situation (the bullet), they justify themselves. And I believe you're right that such an attitude permeates their lives regarding other things never attempted. ("Why bother? What's the use . . .") An interesting group, the bullet responders, in that they utilize the straw man argument. They misrepresent what you say/do (in this case, that martial arts makes you invincible, which you never maintained), then knock it down (the bullet) with a comment that the misrepresentation (the straw man) could never hold up against. This is a very good response. I like your approach here. Here is a comeback that I thought of just recently to use: The use and practice of firearms is a form of Martial Arts training.....

Welcome!

Yeah, me too. But, it got through...