bushido_man96

I read Vargo's article as well, and I enjoyed it, and felt that he was quite right. When you train with someone like you say for so long, you know that you can be open with each other with just about anything, especially when it comes to critisisms in or out of the gym. It is a special relationship to have with someone; knowing that he can kick you in the head, and that you can do the same to him. This is the kind of great things that are built in the dojo/gym.

Kung Fu San Shou, is Cung Le's style, I believe. I think the major difference between what Le does and otherwise typical Kung Fu training are his training methods. Here is Cung Le's official website.

Can you elaborate further on the technique in which you break his arm on your neck? I can't really visualize how one would do this...but this could be due to my lack of creativity, too.

That is an interesting way to look at it. I think that if it can be avoided, then it should be. When it can't be avoided, then it is 100% go time. At this point, you are committed, and must be, to see yourself through.

The second link that DWx listed will probably get you a good start. Those guys specialize in breaking. Sometimes, you can catch some of those competitions on ESPN2; they are quite fun to watch. Some of those guys do some crazy stuff. They will at times talk about the training that they do, and how they build up their bones for the increased level of breaking that they do.

Congrats!

I don't quite understand what your meaning is here. What is the difference between the material discussed on this website, and that of the Japanese sword arts (which would be considered "traditional")?

I agree here, too. They are always falling over because they are leaning back to throw their kicks.

3-31-08 TKD Class: 6:00 - 7:00. Class was good tonight. Sparring was so-so. I got to class about 30 minutes early, so I spent some time working on my form, which seems to come and go for me. I also spent some time working on some defenses with a friend of mine. After that, I noticed that my knee felt twisted, and it wouldn't support my weight! I was able to walk it off, though, and made it through class. Basics were changed up a bit, and we did a lot of moving up and down the floor. We got a good workout, and got winded.

Its because there really isn't a whole lot that is new under the sun when it comes to fighting and the way the body works.

I am having a bit of trouble reading your descriptions. I am not sure what you are differentiating between these two kicks. I kick with the top of the foot, or the ball, depending on which is needed at the time. As for the chamber, I do it two ways: 1) with the chambered leg parallel to the floor, and with the chamber held high. The advantage here is that I have more choice of what level I throw the kick at, and I feel that I generate more power with the kick. This method requires more pivot on the base leg, and more body movement. The whole body gets involved in the kick. 2) with the chamber leg held at a 45 degree angle, halfway between a front kick and round kick chamber. This one is good for speed, and tends to be a snappier kick. I also feel that the trajectory of this kick is has more of a predetermined line of attack. Some would refer to this version of the kick as the "Olympic" style round kick.

Ok, everyone, look this website over briefly: Association for Renaissance Martial Arts. Is this a "Traditional" Martial Art in your eyes? If so, explain. If not, explain.

Having those hands up around your head can make a big difference.

I like Anslow's work, and I hope he gets another volume out sometime soon! I think he is on the money about the over exaggeration of the sine wave, especially as seen in tournament performances. From many of the ITF form performances that I have seen, the movements are too slow for my taste, and they are not conducive to forming combinations. From viewing Anslow's article that you have posted, I would tend to say that my school performs the Chang On forms the 'very old' way. Maybe between 'very old' and 'original.' We are very linear in how we do the forms.

I would think that the field experts should be the one to give the description. You wouldn't ask a layman to define what a brain surgeon does, or a neurosurgeon.

That definition of Kiai helps to clear up the way it was used in a work of fiction I was reading up just last week. The hero of a story was describing how his opponent was a practitioner of Kiai, and would immerse himself in it...

Thanks for digging that up for me, ps1. I have been out the past few days! That is basically the same form I do, but the way our school does it is much quicker, and without the sine wave (bouncing) motions, and the hand techniques are not as circular. Also, when we finish the downward X-block, we are much lower to the ground, and squatting more.

I think that this is a natural progression with the arrival of the submission grappling events that have come along. When people with slightly different styles show up and roll, you are bound to see something new, and pick up on something that works well. Then, people begin to train with it to see how it works. Kind of like when the UFC first started, and everyone saw how effective ground fighting was. You either had to learn it, or learn to get around it. What's wrong with Wrestling from your back? Someday, it may be something that you need to know how to do.

Are we talking about fear now, or survival instinct? I think that there may be a difference.

This may be the case, but why would we let the layman define what we do, when we are the ones experienced in it? The problem with bringing the definition along for the Western arts is because most of them have gone the route of sports, and no one wants to call a combat sport a Martial Art.

Tough deal for Shamrock. I missed the fight. That must have been one hell of a kick from Le.

I would love to hear your response. Thanks for taking the time to read it.

I think that this book looks interesting as well. I am considering picking it up here in a month or two. When you get into it, let us know what its like.

Those are some great knockouts, DWx. One thing I have to say, though: "get your freakin' hands up, guys!"

I would start by checking with your local Chamber of Commerce. You might also get in touch with the Small Business Bureau.