bushido_man96

Thanks for the response! At the outset, let me say (for the sake of bushido_man96 and anyone else reading this), my comments and questions below are not ment in any way to necessarily disagree with or question what he (bushido_man96) has said. I like to ask questions...because questions (and the resulting answers) helps me better understand. Sometimes, when I question things, people will think I am in disagreement with them or what they have said. Not necessarily always the case... All good with me! I don't mind some disagreement...after all, we won't always agree on everything as people in general (and I know you and I have already had some disagreements, which is ok!). So, I could get into the history of TKD, but I will not do that. Instead, a little of my own MA history. I started my career in the American Taekwondo Association (ATA...yep, that organization), and earned a rank of 2nd degree black belt, along with an instructor certification. I owned a school for a short period of time. When I moved away from home, I joined a different school, Sun Yi's Academy, which is in the Traditional Taekwondo Association (TTA). The ATA has it's own set of forms that were created and trademarked for use only by the ATA and it's affiliate clubs and schools. The forms are set up as testing requirements, and with that in mind, the forms reflect the basic movements learned at each belt rank. They are great for progressively challenging the student's physical abilities, and aside from some possible sparring combinations in pieces of the forms, they weren't designed with self-defense applications in mind. We had one form per belt rank, along with assigned one-steps, etc. When I joined Sun Yi's Academy, the organization used (and still uses) most of the Chang-On forms, which the ITF uses (with some differences, most notably, the absence of sine wave). Anyone who has done and seen the ITF forms, and has researched any at all into some Karate forms, most notably Shotokan, one can see similarities in some of the move sequences in the ITF forms. Gen. Choi had training in Shotokan Karate, so this is not shocking. A common theme of late has been to study up on the Karate applications of these segments of the forms, or of individual moves, and do some reverse engineering so-to-speak of some applications of these moves or segments of moves, based on what others have learned and shared. I've read several books on the subject matter, and I find most of it to be fairly relatable, and at least worth learning and trying to apply. With all that said, I did not learn these applications from any of my own instructors while learning the forms. The forms, one per rank in the TTA as well, were part of the rank requirements, and we trained them as such; attain technical proficiency in the moves sufficient to meet the standards of passing the test. None of my instructors were taught these applications, and therefore none were passed on. Instead, self-defense was learned as a separate part of the training curriculum (and unfortunately, not a focus). So I don't get to spend entire classes breaking down forms applications and training them. I have to single out a partner willing to work with me on it, and train it that way. Most of my classes were the exact same, minus the oyo session. Basics, forms, one-steps, and then sparring. In the ATA, it was a point sparring ruleset that allowed no punches to the head. In the TTA, it's been similar, but using the Olympic ruleset (another curiosity). We do forms work, but no applications work, at least not as part of the structure of the class. You have to understand, though, that I was "raised" this way in my MA upbringing, so didn't know any different until I started learning about "bunkai" later in life. I still found value in the forms, in the pursuit of technical proficiency, and I always enjoyed forms competition. Now, when I do forms, I think more about possible applications. Being mostly a TKD practitioner, we use Korean terminology. A similar term in Korean would be Hae Sul, which I'll use at times, but I'd rather use English terminology, to avoid confusion and make myself more easily understood. So, that's me, in a nutshell.

Many of us here do. I can see exactly where you are coming from. I was young once, too, and I was where you are now. As your career and experience grow, so you will, and especially how you approach these things emotionally.

1/28/2022 Strength Training Bench Press: 45x5x2, 115x5, 155x3, 205x1, 227.5x5, 227.5x5, 227.5x5. Power Snatch: 95x2, 95x2, 95x2. Power Clean & Jerk: 105x2, 115x2, 115x2, 120x2, 120x2, 125x2. Stretch: hams, glutes. I really enjoy the Olympic lifts. The first set of snatch was clunky, but after that it felt better. Last set of clean & jerk was tough. But the racking of the cleans was really good today.

Those would be some interesting things to see. I did like seeing D'onofrio back as Kingpin, and I really hope to see more of him in the future. He's such a great villain throughout the comics, and it'd be a shame to squander him in one series or movie. He should be a Thanos-level villain, and not a one-off. I thought it was unfortunate, the approach the Netflix version of Iron Fist was taken. I did love Daredevil, and I believe Charlie Cox is still in the fold to play the character again.

This kind of story has run rampant through the annals of MA training, back to when it was one master and one student. At times, I wonder how much of it is actually the case. I also realize that with enough time and training, one can probably figure out those things that have been left out of the teachings. There are only so many ways the body can move, and I think the bulk of possible applications have been exposed over the years. Often times today, seeking another style replaces the seeking of another master.

It used to be difficult to me to lose students. I've had several students that were quite talented walk away from it. I don't let it bother me anymore. I can't make someone love it as much as I do.

I got to watch this the other day. Overall, I thought it was an ok movie. The choreography was fun, and kind of a throwback. I look forward to seeing where Shang Chi fits in with the rest of the Marvel universe. I'd really like to see if they are planning anything with Iron Fist. I know Blade is going to be back soon, and am looking forward to that. I really enjoyed the Wesley Snipes Blade trilogy (actually sat through it last night!), but if I recall, they changed things up on the Blade origin for that trilogy, and in the original comic run, he wasn't half-vampire. So I'll be interested to see what route they take with Blade.

1/27/2022 Strength Training Squats: 45x5x2, 155x5, 225x3, 250x5, 250x5, 250x5. Press: 45x5x2, 75x5, 115x2, 150x5, 150x5, 150x5. Deadlifts: 135x5, 205x3, 275x1, 305x5. Stretch: hams, quads, glutes. Misloaded the damn weight on the squats. Should have been 260 for 3x5. Oh well. Threw in the deadlifts today because I had time while the kids finished up their workouts. I would like to go back to a three day per week schedule.

Thanks for the comments! Much appreciated... Just curious, is this along the lines of what you teach and use or something different? Thanks again! I don't delve too much into using Japanese terminology, so I avoid all those issues by using English in my classes. I will usually just use the terms "self-defense" or "applications" depending on what we are working on. Unfortunately, we don't delve much into forms applications in our school. We weren't "raised" with it, so to speak. I do try to work on it when I get a chance to do so.

Welcome back to KF, crash!

1/24/2022 Strength Training Squats: 45x5x2, 155x5, 225x3, 255x5, 255x5, 255x5. Press: 45x5x2, 75x5, 115x3, 145x5, 145x5, 145x5. Stretch: hams, quads, glutes. 1/25/2022 Strength Training Deadlifts: 135x5, 185x5, 225x3, 245x1, 295x5. Bench Press: 45x5x2, 115x5, 155x3, 205x1, 225x5, 225x5, 225x5. Stretch: hams, quads, glutes. Last rep of set 3 on bench got off kilter. Shoulder was not caring for it this day.

Thank you for taking the time to lay out these terms. It is very interesting seeing this more in-depth, and quite enlightening.

That sounds great. Do you plan to return to the class? 1/21/2022 Strength Training Deadlifts: 135x5, 185x5, 225x3, 285x5. Bench Press: 45x5x2, 115x5, 155x3, 205x1, 220x5, 220x5, 220x5. Stretch: hams, quads, glutes. 1/22/2022 Joint TKD/Aikido Class: 4:30 - 7:00 pm. Held at the local Aikido dojo. We began class with an Aikido bow in ceremony, and then started with our CI showing some TKD basics. Some striking, some kicking, and some combinations. We moved to some Aikido break falling, first in floor drills, and then some with partners, doing an "anchored" break fall. The bokken came out and we did some striking work with them, followed by a disarm technique. We finished by doing some partner work with TKD and Aikido practitioners paired together, starting with a simple attack, and each showing how they would defend it. I thought this was a very productive first class with another local school. Both sides seemed to enjoy each other's approaches, and I really hope we get to do some more of this.

It sounds like a good time! Keep us posted on your progress!

1/20/2022 Strength Training Squats: 45x5x2, 155x5, 225x3, 250x5, 250x5, 250x5. Press: 45x5x2, 75x5, 115x2, 140x5, 140x5, 140x5. Stretch: hams, quads, glutes.

Welcome to KF, Grapplezilla! Website looks good! I've two boys in school, and one of them still wrestles (the other wrestled up until this year, his sophomore year). I love the sport, and think it has so much to offer. I look forward to seeing your perspectives!

I suppose you can dress it up however you want. That old saying about "you can put lipstick on a pig..." In the end, you got what you wanted out of the situation. If the ends justify the means...

I'm glad you are enjoying it, Grapplezilla!

This is interesting. I do have an internal dialogue when reading. I've never been a fast reader, and it frustrated me for many years, especially involving reading assignments in school. When I read a book, I can't skim worth a darn. I find myself basically reading to myself. When I was younger, I'd be mouthing the words silently as I read over them. As I've gotten older, I don't mouth the words as much (although I do catch myself doing this sometimes), but my ability to read quickly hasn't improved that much. I've also found that when I've tried to some meditative practices, I have trouble doing them. Thus, I'm not a big fan of silently meditating. I think taking on a deaf student would be a very rewarding prospect, and commend you for it. Thanks for sharing this thread; very interesting.

ashworth, how are you liking Tai Chi so far? What has the experience been like? 1/10/2022 Squats: 45x5x2, 165x5, 225x3, 250x5, 250x5, 250x5. Press: 45x5x2, 75x5, 115x2, 140x5, 140x5, 140x5. So, missed some more time...took another hit of Covid this winter, which dropped me out for 5 days. Finally back to work though, and back to the gym. 1/17/2022 Squats: 45x5x2, 135x5, 185x3. Press: 45x5x2, 75x5, 115x3, 135x5, 135x5, 135x5. Stopped quickly after squats. I could tell I was heading for some major soreness if I continued. I'll do more on the second squat session of the week. 1/18/2022 Deadlifts: 135x5, 185x3, 225x2, 275x5. Bench Press: 45x5x2, 115x5, 155x3, 205x1, 215x5, 215x5, 215x5. On an up note, our TKD school is going to have a joint training session this Saturday with the local Aikido dojo. It's going to be about a 2 hour session, with each of us sharing our thoughts and approaches to MA training and self-defense in general. It should be a lot of fun, and I will share some highlights here.

I guess this is worth a try, but don't be surprised if you still don't fill a training hall. Royce Gracie had told me in the past that he offered free training to the law enforcement officers that lived in his area, and rarely did any show up to train. That said, you'll probably get a few that will. To that end, you will likely need some kind of insurance coverage if you train somewhere other than your home. Even then, if someone gets hurt, it's hard telling how protected you can be from someone who decides to seek damages. Looking further into some local laws may help with this matter. As far getting a gi with a logo printed on it, you should be able to find that somewhere. You could probably go to a local screen printer and talk to them about the color of gi you want to use, and what it would take to put the design on it. A more expensive yet probably more reliable option would be embroidery. I wouldn't get too close to the Cobra Kai design, though, as it could lead to trademark infringement issues. Best of luck moving forward with this. Where do you plan to do your training? What will your curriculum consist of? You talk about the Boxing aspect a lot in your posts, and I think it's interesting. I've always liked and respected Boxing, and feel it has much to offer.

As for life lesson #1, not being "fair" and full of dishonest people...yes, I know this. I've been around for a while. I work in law enforcement, and see it often. The dojo or dojang should not be the place for it, though, in my opinion.

I like these guidelines you've laid out. The world of grappling can seem so overwhelming to a newcomer. Welcome to KarateForums!

This season was overall, a good one. I felt like the choreography for the tourney this time around was subpar, and could have done without the musical interlude altogether. The rivalries at times felt like they were being pushed too much, in spot that they didn't need to be. Overall, I still enjoyed it, and look forward to next season.

If it were me, Bob, I'd see what I could do about getting you to deadlift. If flexibility is an issue, I'd start with sets of high rack pulls, and then progress my way down the rack to get as close to the floor as possible, and then start pulling from there.