bushido_man96

Its not just about how hard you can hit, its knowing where and when to hit. He had great timing and strategy, as well. He was a good fighter, and actually contended for a time. You make some good points here. However, buy getting stronger and faster, then you technique is rewarded even further. Being strong, and having good technique, will benefit over just technique.

I have been doing a lot of reading lately, and I have also been doing some Close Quarter Combatives with an LEO friend of mine, and I have to say that I have discovered that the use of the palm is very universal. There are lots of purposes that it serves. I still like the punch, but I definitely respect the uses of the palm heel now, too.

Summed up very well. I think it has to do with the fact that we do something that not everyone else is willing to subject themselves to, and only we can really understand what these bruises mean to us. In a way, they are also like feedback from training!

Not to mention it allows you to practice your techniques and get a good workout at the same time... Martial arts multitasking? Haha, there ya go!!!

I agree with a lot of what you said and am now asking you: what are you going to do to fix that? I ran a school in a local park for about 2 years and did not charge anyone. I even promoted people in rank there and did not charge. Are you willing to do the same? bat If I started to teach in an organized fashion, I would charge. I feel that if I am going to offer services, then compensation would be the reward. Now, I don't think I could charge enough to make a living, but I don't think I would teach for free, in my own school.

This is how I see it done, too. It can drive those of us who are technical about these things crazy, but they are just doing it for the exercise, as you mentioned. Tae Bo is bad about it, too. I have done exercise like this in the past, and I have always felt that my workouts benefited much more than the others, because I concentrated on using my good, proper technique, as opposed to the sloppy stuff. It sure does make you tired! However, when the techniques are done right, you tend to be more efficient. Therefore, they could work out longer.

One of the hosts did make metion as to how the weapon moves translate to empty hand, and I kind of liked that. Very useful, with a weapon, or without.

The ATA sparring that I remember was always light contact.

I would buy into this idea, but there are fighting styles, concepts, principles, etc., that came from and have existed in other parts of the world for as long as history goes back. Fighting didn't come from Japan alone. Therefore, I don't feel that only Japanese terms (or those of another language) are the only way to explain a principle.

I can see reasoning behind both, but I see much more practicalities in the Thai/Boxing style.

Thanks!

The thing here is that if someone has knowledge or a skill that another doesn't, and that person spent a lot of time and training (and money) to get it, they may be reluctant to just give it away. This is true for many professions, like cooking, music, etc.

Episode 2: This week was on Escrima, and the hosts spent their time touring the Phillipines. I loved this episode, and I wish that there was a school where I could learn Escrima. I think the art is awesome, and fighting with the sticks interests me greatly. The match at the end was fun to watch. I don't recall if either of them took any head shots, though.

Cool! Let us know how it turned out!

That is an interesting way to put it, mantis.style.

The encounters that you had sound like they were very quick for you. However, I just don't think they will always be that quick.

Have a happy anniversary, Baron!

I prefer to just use English when teaching it, speaking about it, etc. Even though I do a Korean style, I still feel the same way about it. I don't believe that the language native to the style really holds any nostalgic effect over it, and I don't believe you reduce the art if you don't use it. With English-speaking students, it is just easier to use the English.

If your techniques are right then yes. If you know how to be relaxed until impact and your train for this, then yes you are practicing your chi. But Boxing for instance even though they punch the bag 254235324 times they are relying more on strength and not chi. Thats why you see those little 80 year old chinese masters that can still hold their own. You won't see someone who practices a "hard Style" doing this. Because when you rely on your strength at 80..... then its pretty much useless. Actually, I don't think Boxers are punching with just strength alone. There are a lot of Boxers out there with quick hands, even the heavyweights. There speed is just as much a subject of technique as comes from any other style. I think there are a number of hard stylists that are into their 80s, and still punching just fine. Besides, even some hard styles teach to be relaxed until the moment of impact; I believe that Karate styles call this "kime." I used to have a student who boxed in the 1940s and '50s. He would come train with me once a week. I have never been hit as hard as I have by this guy, who was in his late '60s.

Wow, that would have been one heck of a lunch. It sounds to me like you handled with a lot of class, which may be something I am not capable of. It is good to see that after speaking with this individual that you felt much more confident about the training that you do, and the training that you offer your own students.

Ok, here are the lists: MMA fighter: conditioning/endurance physical technique determination/confidence ability to relax and focus For "Surviving a street encounter": awareness fighting spirit/attitude simple gross-motor techniques ability to refrain from panicing I don't want to understate the importance of each of the above factors listed for self-defense. They are all very important. However, I do think that being fit plays a bigger role than most might think when it comes to having to defend yourself.

7-26-07 We had a small testing at our school today, with a small number of colored belts testing. However, the black belts did a small demo for the parents/audience. We did an abbreviated version of basics, which went fast, and got the blood flowing. Other black belts demonstrated forms, and I did a few advanced forms. Then we did one-steps, and a few did some sparring. Then, we did board breaks. I did a flying side kick over 3 kids, into two boards. I was a little worried about this technique, because it will be a requirement for when I test for my 3rd decided. I took one practice run, to make sure things were lined up right, then I did the break, and got it on my first try. I was so pleased with myself! What is weird, though, is that I don't remember seeing the boards break. I definitely felt them break; the break felt really good. I remember feeling the boards break, looking where I was landing, and that was it.

I am glad you got things checked out. How long for recovery?

Your description makes it sound as if punching after being punched is a bad thing. When you state that it is revenge, it sounds, I don't know, like you don't like it, or agree with it. I am just curious if that is what you feel. Thanks in advance.

I agree with you here. It is one thing to say you will "block and counter," when in actuality, you may not have the chance to see the attack coming.