bushido_man96

I would drop them in a heartbeat. Especially if I have other threats to worry about. As far as backing up goes, it shouldn't be too much of an issue, if you are keeping your surroundings in mind.

Sometimes, you can't control what you wear. For example, my work uniform is less than adequate for fighting in. However, when this is the case, it is important to take the time to train and move in what you might normally be wearing. If you wear a duty belt, train with it on from time to time. Especially roll around with it on. It really changes the dynamics of what you can do when on your back. It can also add excess weight to what you normally train with. All are things to think about.

I hope to read these eventually. As far as required reading goes, although I do own copies of some of Funakoshi's books, and appreciate what he writes about, I don't always agree with the philosophies of the "old masters." Therefore, I don't think that I would require too much of them. Tao of Jeet Kune Do is good. A Book of Five Rings would be recommended by many as well. Sun Tzu's Art of War might also be high on the list. The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe is a great text that delves into the fighting style that existed in Europe, and dispells a lot of myths about them. Check this thread for information: http://www.karateforums.com/martial-arts-research-library-vt8082-80.html

Welcome to KF!

If I took the time to read ebooks on screen, then when would I find the time to post???

Handgun? Not a bad idea for a modern art, really. I think that this is a good idea as well. Just owning a gun is never enough. You must learn to use it correctly. You also have to learn what to do when the weapon malfunctions on you. Do you have more than one magazine? Do you practice reloading? Do you practice double taps? There is so much involved. Learning to effectively use a handgun is an art in and of itself.

That might be fun to see. Sounds more like a documentary, I guess.

I hope to see it, but I will have to wait for the DVD.

Wow, that is pretty sad, when your competition opponent is apologizing for actions like this. At least your opponent has some integrity, though.

I would love to watch them, too. But I am referring to the layperson who attends and watches the Olympic games.

Interesting. Maybe Frazier just wants to retire for good? That would be a cool place to own, though. One could probably make it into a Boxing museum.

I think I would wear a pair of ankle socks, that are thinner than normal socks. That is just me, though. I don't wear shoes without socks.

Our style doesn't have it any of the forms, either, but it is a popular kick in tournaments. Our instructor really used the heck out if it when he was competing.

One of the nice things about using these controls in a Law Enforcement setting is that an officer almost always has assistance by other officers. It takes the level of success up a notch or 10.

These are interesting points. I don't usually think of the mindset of breaking; I usually think control, and then break if need be. But, as was mentioned, justification is the big issue. If someone is that much bigger than you are, then you can probably justify it. One thing that wrist locks (sorry for using the term you don't like ) tend to work for are taking people down. Twist the hand into a kotegashi type move, and take the palm of the hand and put it on the ground. If they don't go down, and it breaks, then it is because they resisted and didn't listen to instructions (go to the ground, etc).

This is the case. However, after you feel the body go limp, and he is asleep, you just drop him and deal with the next threat. If you are good enough to keep him restrained, but not unconscious, then you can back away, shielding yourself with the opponent. If they seem like they are going to overtake you, put the guy out and drop him, and then get away.

I try to train low kicks on my own, so that I don't have a problem with them when kicking. Ideally, if you can kick someone who is 6'5" in the head, then you should be able to bring your kicks below the waist without any problems. The key to the footwork it to keep it simple. Nothing fancy; don't let your feet cross when stepping. I have done a ground defense class put on by our LETC, and rolling around with a duty belt on is definitely an experience that you have to adjust for.

So, would the competitor have to qualify for both forms and sparring? Or do they just qualify for sparring, and then have to compete in forms? Or do you end up with two seperate divisions of competitors, where there may be some overlay?

Yes, yes, props to all of the moms out there who helped or worked with all us kids that wanted to get into the Martial Arts.

Nextech wireless.

I carry my IDs with me, and my cellphone. Sometimes my checkbook. However, I have found that if I leave it at home, I don't spend as much money. At work, I carry my radio, my cuffs, my work keys, my OC spray, and usually my taser.

I have read a few eBooks; but they were free to print off...so I printed them first. Does that count?

Politics may have played a role here. I agree with what you are saying. In tournaments that I have been to, I have seen in combined rank divisions where those doing a lower ranked form (say 1st degrees competing with 2nds) get snided a bit, because their form is "easier." So, the higher ranks, even if their form doesn't look as good, get placed higher. Some would call it a level of difficulty thing, but I think it is bogus. If a 1st dan's form looks better, then give it to them.

The problem is, I can't see the WTF gaining a whole lot out of this deal. I think that the ITF stands to gain the most. It would open up more competition for their practitioners, especially at the International level, I think. If they could get forms into the Olympics, then I think that would be kind of cool. I don't know how many spectators would be into watching a forms competition, though.

The "two-fold mind" as described by Silver involved the ideas behind pressing in and flying out. Pressing in is the pressing of the attack; going on the offensive. Flying out is seeing that you are caught on the defensive, and must act accordingly. The two-fold mind is always engaged with both. When flying in, be prepared to fly out, and vise versa.