bushido_man96

You are right here. It would be good against a downed opponent. However, I think that a good 'ole stomp would be more effective, and quicker, in a self-defense scenario. TKD competition rules make it a pretty good kick in that environment. It could have a place in Kickboxing as well.

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. It is sort of in TKD forms. There's move 25 in Juche, the pick-kick which is very similar. Ah. Our system doesn't do that form. It is unfortunate, too. I think I may start practicing that form myself.

I am the same way! That, and when I take my shoe off, the insole tends to come out with it. I hate that!

I have actually reserved my copy of the 2nd edition. I am still waiting for it. I am also waiting for Karate Chronicles, too. The Best Karate series, by M. Nakayama, are great as well, especially for their layout of the katas.

Huh, thats crazy. Why would he do a yellow belt form? At the tourneys I go to, we have to do the forms for our rank.

Good points. Can anyone imagine what it would be like to drown or burn alive? Not good thoughts, at all.

One way that is fun to work on gun defenses is to use a rubber band gun. It adds some fun to the practice, but at the same time, provides valuable feedback. If you can't dodge a rubber band, then you sure aren't going to be dodging any bullets any time soon.

That is a great explanation. If we could meet in person, it would probably be easier for you to define what muscles do what. That makes good sense, though.

I have seen that one before. I like it. I would love to see a class like that. Thanks for sharing!

Yes, this one is quite good. It is also in my library.

Good one as well.

The Martial Arts in one word: lifestyle.

Bringing the targets down is a great idea, and there are plenty of moves that can be done to accomplish that goal. The kick to the common peroneal comes to mind.

I would normally agree with this statement. However, I have noticed that I do not have this problem when I spar or do self defense work. I always do a pretty good job of keeping my hands up at these times. Sometimes I have been able to use the pulling back actions of the arms in some applications. I also do decent jab/cross combinations while not pulling the opposite hand back to the ribs.

I think that this is an important aspect that gets overlooked many times in many schools, mine included. Sure, we spar, but it is with tournament rules, and it doesn't do much for putting you in a crappy situation that raises the adrenaline levels. It is easy to picture enemies while doing a form, and to do it with intensity, but you still don't get the same adrenale feeling. This is something that I have discovered in my research of Medieval European Combat. There are many techniques that can be seen in the old manuals that mirror techniques that many believe to have originated in the Orient. This is just not the case.

Sometimes, this policy leads to the "that's how I learned it, so that is how you will learn it" attitude, which isn't always healthy. This is kind of tricky here. I kind of see what you are getting at, but I don't understand it well. My point is that everyone learns in a different manner. If an instructor can only relate things in one manner, then he is not going to be able to reach as many students as he could. It is ok to ask "why?" because we want to know. There is always more than one way to skin a cat. Kata training has been one of those ways. When my DT partner and I do training, it doesn't come from kata. It comes from hands on experience, Q&A, and then more experience. Katas can be good. Other ways can be good, too.

This is a generalization that could get one hurt or killed. Criminals aren't necessarily stupid. Most criminals probably have the same IQ as most people. There are some that are above the line, and that are below the line, but at any rate, they aren't all dumb. Career criminals usually have a pretty good idea of how to plan things out, and prepare contingencies in case authorities show up. They may not be book smart, but there are other forms of intelligence, and this can't be underestimated.

This is one strategy that I don't care for; waiting for an attack. If I feel like an attack is eminent, then I will act first. With that said, I do think that the ideals behind Aikido can still be used to this same end. I don't work much with pressure points, but you still have lots of options if you can control a limb.

Very cool. Something that's MA on TV, but isn't TUF or the Human Weapon. Variety is the spice of life.

Thanks, man. I appreciate the kind words. But, if it weren't for all the other great members here, I would end up being pretty quiet.

Yes, good points all the way around. These points will apply to any technique that you have to apply on the street. Not just chokes.

I have done a little bit of LEO training with firearms, but not enough to be satisfied with my performance yet. It is something that I need a lot more work on. I did attend a class a while ago on weapon retention, and that was a fun class. I went into it with my DT buddy, and we took a lot away from it. We did a lot with securing the gun, and then using the other hand to either attack the limb on the gun, all the while working towards keeping the gun, gaining distance, and then racking and firing the weapon.

That is a link that I think we can all use. Thanks, Bushido-Ruach.

Two and a half Men, when I get the chance. Otherwise, its Sportscenter.

You are right. Learning the firearm can involve all kinds of aspects, and I think that cover and concealment is one of the more advanced, and more fun ways to train. I hope to do more of this in the future.