bushido_man96

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.

Yes, this is a good point. However, in a perfect world, it would be all you needed. But, as stated, sometimes you have to block, and if you do, then you want it to do some damage. However, if you are going immediately on the defensive (like being jumped, and just have time to cover), then I think that this double bone block can serve to help there.

That is cool, ps1. Having someone like that to swap info with is an MA training dream, I think. I never underestimate Wrestlers' abilities. A good takedown can really put you on the defensive for the majority of a fight. I think that the biggest weakness of a Wrestler, however, is the lack of working from the back. In their type of competition, they learn to try to get off of their back as quickly as possible. Once they can overcome that mindset, and realize that they have some options when on their back, then I think that they can become really dangerous.

I don't know if I would agree with this assessment. I think that many people see Boxing this way, because many perceive it as two guys that are just slugging at each other. However, there is a lot more strategy involved than just that. I think that the misconception comes from the restricted rules and techniques involved in Boxing.

There is really nothing wrong with doing this at all. It is good to visualize practicing these things on different people. You can also use to visualize a situation. You imagine that they attack you a certain way, and you do some defense in your mind. You can change up the scenario every time too, even add in weapons, etc. I have read books by MA authors that have done this as well.

So, is it basically like you are doing a front snap kick to the ankle of your opponent? That is what it sounds like from the reading, but I am not for sure. At any rate, it sounds like attacking footwork, kind of.

I see that you post alot in this forum, I was actually going to ask you before, but what is your job really, is it in any way martial art related? I now work for my county's Sheriff's Department as a Jailer. Someday, I hope to work the street as well.

I have been there....and done that. My journey has taken me from an overweight, unhealthy, introverted slug to a fit, healthy, and confident martial artist with a passion to share what I have learned with others. It didn't happen overnight and there were times when I doubted myself but...I bought into it hook, line, and sinker and it changed my life forever! Never ever settle for the status quo...commit yourself to self improvement everyday for the rest of your life. Excuses only keep you shackled down and defeat you before you even start. Amen, Heidi!!!!

10-29-07 Chest/triceps Dumbell bench press: 50x10, 60x10, 65x8 Cable crossovers: 60x6, 50x10, 10 Triceps push-downs: 90x10, 105x8, 8 Overhead triceps extension: 70x10, 80x10, 90x10 Vertical butterflies: 100x10, 115x8, 130x6 Dips: 3x5 Legs Lunges: 3x10x30 lbs. Ouch on the knees, and ouch on the glute and hams! Calf raises: 3x10x160 Abs Roman chair crunches: 3x15 Side raises: 3x20x30 lbs. Forearms Gripper machine: 3x12x30 lbs. Wrist curls: 3x20x20 lbs. Solo workout: 9:05 - 9:15. Worked on Choong Jung 1 and 2 Poomsaes (ATA forms). This is the first time in a while I went through them at full speed. They need work to be back up to par, but I got a good sweat going. Combat Hapkido: 9:15 - 10:15. Worked on Green and Purple belt material. We got through the most of it pretty well, but still worked on some little things to make it flow smoother. We also did some hand and foot techniques on the heavy bag. Traditional Class: 6:00 - 7:00. Still working on Yoo Sin hyung. Still sucking at parts of it. Coming along slowly. At the end of class, we did some sparring, and then ended with a 3-for-all that was a good time. I did ok, but ended up on the floor once from a missed spin heel kick.

Good point as well. Another book I have is titled Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere... Another circular analogy. I think the cirlcle is a big part of how the human body moves. moving in circles is an alternative to our everyday movement, when we walk, or when you move your arms, be it for greetings or to move things. At least, that is my opinion. I think you are right. There are plenty of linear and circular movements. It would be interesting to see which we do more of. However, even straight, linear movements, like walking, or a straight punch, even require joints to move around each other in a circular path.

Welcome to the Forums!

Ah, yes, DWx. I have done some reading on Bartitsu, and they actually used La Canne, and brought in an instructor to teach it. Good show! Nice to see someone else has knowledge on this.

When you make this statement, you make it sound like you plan on your daughter quitting after getting her black belt. I have seen this happen many times; students get to black belt, and then quit. This if very frustrating from an instructor point of view. There is so much to do after black belt. Earning a black belt should not be an end in and of itself. This is something I believe in: if you quit practicing the Martial Arts, then you are not a Martial Artist anymore. If you quit once you get a black belt, you are not a black belt anymore. You have to keep it up, or you lose it. Why throw away all of that hard-earned training? The point of the arts is to improve yourself. You should focus on your weaknesses as well as your strengths, so that you can get better overall. Performing flawlessly is not what its about. Performing to the best of your ability, and feeling good about yourself for what you have accomplished, regardless of what others think, is the key for driving yourself to betterment. We will experience successes and failures everywhere in life. Trying to shield our loved ones from experiencing them is doing them a disservice. Now, I am not saying that failures should be engineered just to be learned from; far from it. However, when we fail, we have to pick ourselves up off the floor, dust ourselves off, and get right back in the mix. It makes us stronger.

Those are very good, simple points. Thanks for sharing.

Hey now.... Something about integrity, and yada yada...makes that seem shifty...

I think that the techniques demonstrated in the article have merit. There is always more than one way to skin a cat. In a purley defensive nature, I think that the double bone block looks good, especially for covers and what not. However, bearich makes a good point here: In my school, we are taught that "blocks are strikes, and strikes are blocks." One technicality I would correct, if I may: In actuality, you wouldn't block with the thin side of the blade of a sword; the flat is used, but possibly at a 45 degree angle. However, the sword is different than the arms, to an extent. You don't have to worry about knicking the blade up on your arm.

You're right, ps1. There are some that won't tranfer well at all. But that is the nature of the beast here. However, working the ones that do transfer well will definitely give you some more options. What do you think about Greco-Roman types of takedowns? I think that many of those come from a form of the clinch, and throwing from there would make little use of the clothing, and more of the legs and upper body.

Good point as well. Another book I have is titled Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere... Another circular analogy. I think the cirlcle is a big part of how the human body moves.

It sounds like you've got it good. Anytime you get to train with someone with that much experience, it is always a wonderful learning experience, even if you only take away 10% of it! It isn't bragging, either. It sounds like a great experience for you.

If your current instructor's reaction is what concerns you, then take some time to speak with him about it. If the two know each other, then perhaps he won't mind you working with him. Especially if he has something unique or different to teach you. If your current instructor doesn't want you to do it, then you can choose not to. People mention things like "betrayal" or "disloyal" all the time in the Martial Arts circles. I say, in the end, it is your journey, and no one elses. Only you can decide which path you will take.

I have not heard of such a blade. What can you tell us about it?

It may be something like the French style of La Canne...I think.

Welcome back! Good to see you again!