bushido_man96

It will depend on the era you are looking at, but the "classical" rapiers were edged. They were cut and thrust weapons. For rapier, I am not sure. There probably is, but I would have to do some searching. As for Medieval long swords, I have some sites that I can list; I'll just have to dig them up. I'll get back soon with them. Thanks guys.

The saying goes: "God made man; Sam Colt made 'em equal."

So, generally speaking, we all tend to agree that in the ring, you can differentiate dirty fighting tactics from clean fighting. However, on the street, no such thing.

Was He Justified? Well yes and no. I would say that it is indeed "Joe's" responsibility not only as a martial artist, but as a human being, and upstanding citizen to try to protect the store clerk. One the other hand as a trained martial artist, you would think that he would have been able to control the situation a bit more, than simply causing the death of the attacker. The problem here is that we make too many assumptions in a case like this. Just because one is an MA practitioner, does that automatically mean that you can control an outcome like this more? Or, does it mean you can more readily deal with the threat? I think we over-emphasize how much control we can have in a scenario, especially one like this, when the adrenaline is pumping, and we are going to move a bit faster, and a bit stronger, and probably not as accurately. Exactly, and this is an important point to keep in mind. According to the use-of-force continuum, one is justified is justified to kill in a situation like this. If you can articulate that you were in fear of death or great bodily harm, to yourself or others, then you can better justify the outcome. It is unfortunate, but it is the way it is. This is another caveat to watch out for. Just because they sue, doesn't mean they will win. But, it will cause you time and some grief, most likely. A good attorney, and planned articluation will help.

And some partners, right?!

8-21-08 TKD Class: 6:15 - 7:00. We got started late because of the Little Lions testing before our class. They always tend to run over a bit. However, I made good use of the arriving early to work on my forms a bit. My Yoo Sin hyung needs some polishing. What frustrates me is that I can do it on my own, and do it pretty well. When I do it in class, it seems like it just goes to crap. But, I'll keep at it. As for sparring tonight, I sparred our 4th dan, and probably did the best that I have in a while against him. Not a bad night.

You have a very valid concern here, Tiger1962. However, if everyone took this approach, then how would we ever end up with good, senior instructors?

This is a good point. The round kick and the front kick are fairly basic kicks. Going high is definitely impressive, but it is still a basic kick.

I didn't say that they only knew one kata, but that they would practice one. I believe one story about Funakoshi goes that he was allowed to practice only the Naihanchi kata for his first 7 years of training?

I wonder why there aren't any Wrestling clubs around. I would love to see a Wrestling club in my area. Does anyone know of any area that has Wrestling clubs, put on by a rec organization or anything like that?

Is there a difference between these two? Are they two seperate stages of an incident? Does self-defense turn into a fight? Or do you consider "fighting" as something that is only done in a ring, or as a challenge match?

If you take some Martial Arts as "minor arts," what does that entail? Do you choose not to go to as many classes per week? Or do you not try to learn as much of the curriculum? I am just curious, because the wording is kind of confusing to me.

I disagree, kicking could be very useful in a fight, because to me not a lot of people are expecting you to kick in a fight when they encounter you.. I would prob use a low roundhouse, lots of power and low risk.. I agree. Kicking is a tool that should be considered, just as much as any other strike. You have to be wise about how you do it, though. Throwing head high kicks is tough to pull off, but that doesn't mean that it can't be done. However, low kicks are a great way to attack. The low round house that Throwdown mentioned, and also the front kick to the groin, or the kick to the shin, which Lee was a proponent of. You just have to pick your spots, and set it up.

That sounds like a good idea to me, BB of C. Seek out the source, and get the answers you need.

I'm in. Yeah!!! Another league to play in!!!!!

No big thing, DWx. I think the main difference between the Tai Chi movement coming from the core may have to do with the difference between an performing an individual Tai Chi form, and the two man work done in Judo randori, where you have to attempt to control yourself and another.

Here is a spot from The Book of Earth: This statement, I think, holds quite a bit of value still today. We can see this in the pursuit of cross training, or even seeking to understand what other styles of fighting aim to achieve, through reading and research.

I got 4, I think. Not so hot.

Hey, Sengra. Sorry it took so long to get back with ya, but I found those titles: Honestly, anything that you can find and read by Clements, regardless of the weapon focus, is top shelf. This guy researches hard, and knows his stuff. This guy has an SCA background as well as a Fencing background. A pretty good read, and has a very basic, understandable approach. This is a translation and interpretation of Salvator Fabris' book. Much more in-depth, but very good. Now, the Fencing style, even the more classical ones, aren't really my cup of tea, but these books are still enjoyable.

I may try to catch some of it. It is about the only way I get to catch any fights anymore.

Good show, humble monk!

I have had days like this before as well. Even when I don't want to, it always pays off when I go to class.

8-20-08 Ok, back on track a bit today. I went to the park with the little one, and did a bit of messing around. I hand-walked the monkey bars a few times, and did some shoulder shrug things where I sat down, grabbed above my head, and hoisted my body up in the sitting position three times. I was kind of suprised I could do this. Then, I took my fighting stance, and did some punching while standing the sand: Jab x 10 Cross x 10 Lead hook x 10 Rear uppercut x 10 Then I switched and did the other side. I really made sure to focus on my hip movement and foot rotation, and really started digging some holes with the balls of my feet. I finished up with some work on the not-so-heavy bag; about 15 minutes worth. I worked regular punching combos from each stance, and also did some work punching from a hands-down position, doing 10 jabs on each side, and then 10 uppercuts on each side. I also worked the elbows a little bit.

Ah, there ya go, James, goin' all kineseology on me! But, I do understand proprioception, and it is a good place to start. I also agree with all the others above so far. It is tough to pick just one thing. But, if we needed a foundation, the athletic stance is a good start, I think.

Congrats to all. I hope that I get a chance to catch some of the matches at nights.