bushido_man96

A very nice article, and I enjoyed reading it. I know that we have had many discussions on the theory behind "Ippon Kowashi." I think that this concept is perhaps rare because only a few people seem to be able to obtain or possess such ability. I could be wrong, though. I don't think that the idea should be discarded, either. I think that training techniques in such a way that Ippon Kowashi could be attained is very important, but it is also important to understand that you may be required to execute more than one technique in order to end a confrontation. I like your words here: There is much wisdom in these words. I think it would be great to be able to achieve such results some day.

I don't do much improvised weapon training, or much other weapon training for that matter. However, it can be a good idea. Very creative, too.

I understand your points. They do have merit, especially in the early stages of training for some people.

You have to work it after landing the kick, too. This is a good drill to do if you have a partner to hold a kicking shield for you. You hit with the round kick, land forward, and throw the spin back kick as they back up a step. Give it a try.

At the lower levels, where there perhaps isn't as much skill involved, it can lead to that perception. But, that can be said about being inexperienced in any form of sport or activity. Watch white belts spar, for example. You are correct that there aren't as many moves in Boxing as there are in other Combat Sports. There are still things like ring strategy, movement, set ups, etc. Look at Muhammed Ali's rope-a-dope against George Foreman, for example. There are things like in-fighting, out-fighting, bobbing and weaving, slipping and ducking that all get worked into the mix as well. There is quite a bit to it; its just unique from other styles.

FMA = Fillipno Martial Arts I think there was a little confusion when you put FMA in the header, but spelled it out as "Phillipino" in your post. Easy misinterpretation.

I think this is mainly because the Mongolians were viewed as a barbaric force that seemed rather uncivilized; they were nomadic by nature, I believe, so they never really settled. I think that this barbaric image causes many to overlook them, and their prowess at combat, and the innovations that they contributed to combat. In the end, they are looked at as the evil bad guys, I think, and no one wants the bad guys to win. However, the Mongolians made a habit out of winning for quite some time.

I would be willing to pose that the Japanese swords were better for cutting. However, that is what those blades were intended to do. Now, I don't want to leave the impression that European blades were not sharp, because they were. Those blades are more than capable of severing a limb from the body cleanly. But I do think that the Japanese blades were a better quality for cutting. Now, when it comes to armor, the Europeans where head and shoulders above the rest. The armor that the Europeans engineered was so good, in fact, that it resulted in the change of some of the weaponary that was actually used to combat it, and led to some of the differences that you can see when sword fighting with our without armor.

When you talk about practicality, I think of being attacked in general, and having something to defend yourself with. The chance of someone carrying a sword or even a bo out in public are slim. Therefore, knowing how to use them won't help a lot, unless you find a nearby stick that you can improvise as such. So, the easiest and most practical to carry, would be a knife, I think. Now, if you are talking about a tournament format, in which we can bring whatever we want, I think it would be hard to argue with the range of a staff weapon, like a spear or even quarterstaff. The point you make about the sai being difficult to use makes sense to me. I also think that the utility of the knife could go down some, if the longer weapons start to show up. Also, a metal fan would not be worth much either, I think. Nunchuku would not be practical either, in my opinion.

Congrats!

I have to watch what I do to my knees as well. I used to do a lot of explosive plyometric type exercises, but I have scaled those back recently, and my knees feel much better than they did.

The Mongolians were a fierce force. Their horseback archery was an amazing skill, and it made their forces quite dangerous, along with the tactics that they used. I like your points. However, the bulk of the debate here is based more on the sword-against-sword skills between the Samurai and European Knight. You make some good points about overall combat, though.

Muay Thai has a heavy emphasis on elbows and knees. Also, MMA gyms usually cover the clinch fighting range, with elbows and knees, and they will usually cover grappling as well.

I do believe so. I have read that in FMA, all of the skills that they learn are transitional. They work empty handed, with knife, and with stick. I have seen evidence of this in articles and such, however, have never experienced it myself. Of course, almost every style has its strengths and weaknesses, and the FMA would really be no different. These things also depend on the teaching focus of the instructors as well. Seeing as the place you are talking about attending doesn't move into doing hand techniques for several months, then their focus is most likely the weapon first. In the end, you should go watch a class, and perhaps ask for some demonstrations of their hand technique applications, and then judge for yourself. If you are looking for a style that is more focused on hand techniques, then perhaps you may look elsewhere, to find what you really want.

Definitely don't do this! If you have to tailor your workout to your body, then make sure to do so, that way, you can keep up your training. Boxing may be the route you want to take, if your knees are suffering that much. Also, losing weight may help your knees, as well, if this is a preceived problem.

Welcome to the Forums, and to the Martial Arts! Enjoy your journey.

I have not seen of it, other than the typical foot sweep. However, it does sound interesting, and would be worth exploring.

That is a great testament to your training and attention to detail, Montana. Also nice that he rewarded you in such a way. Awesome!

Hard telling. I know that my instructor doesn't like to place orders with only a few items; it makes shipping a killer. This could be his deal as well. Or, he may just be forgetting. Who knows? Just keep reminding him.

The only problem that I have with this concept is that females are more likely to be attacked by bigger, stronger males. By holding back too much with them in training, you do them a disservice. I am not saying that they should be mauled, either. However, they need to experience what it is like to deal with greater strength and speed at times.

I agree here completely. Things like speed, strength, agility, always add to your various strengths, and help to overcome or hide your weaknesses. relying on strength alone though, will make u lose against someone stronger than you. Someone faster and/or with a better strategy will also win against someone who is not better, just stronger. This isn't always the case. There is always the "lucky punch" chance. However, in general, being smart and strategic will always be a benefit, especially if you are those things, and strong, and fast, etc.

I agree with you Second!

10-30-07 My legs were really sore today after the Lunge exercises I did on Monday. I may have to keep doing them, to build some more leg strength. We'll see how my knees react to them, I guess. I also noticed that my upper body, especially the triceps, were sore from the changed up routine I did on Monday. I have not noticed any gains in bench press over the last few months, so I have decided to give it a rest, and try some new things. We'll see how they go. Solo Workout: 3:35 - 4:00. I worked on forms that were heavy into hand techniques, so that I could warm my legs up in the stances. I did our Do-gans 1 and 2, Poe Eun hyung, and then worked on Yoo Sin hyung. I worked on the segments of Yoo Sin that are giving me problems, and I think that they are slowly coming along. That forms just bugs me, though. Taught Kids Class: 4:00 - 5:00. Only 3 students today. I worked the basics hard.

That sounds like a great deal. It is good that you were able to discuss all of the those things with him as well. I hope you enjoy your training.

The momentum you have after that Thai round kick takes you nicely into the spin back kick, I think.