bushido_man96

My point with the Pinan katas are that they were created with a purpose. And they can still be valid to train in today, like Shorin Ryuu mentions, with training basic techniques. However, as can be noted in other styles, there are ways that can result in successful training away from forms training. I guess, if you want to call everything that you do for muscle memory purposes a kata, then that is fine. I don't look at it that way. You could say the same for any floor drill you do with basics, any bag combination drills, etc. In the end, to me, they aren't katas. They are drills. You make good points about what Bruce Lee said, though. He was quite outspoken.

It sounds like you were the victim of the "touchless knockout!" That is a tough break. I'll bet the expression on the white belt's face was priceless!

I also get Black Belt Magazine and Taekwondo Times. I enjoy both publications. I read each from cover to cover. BBMag is monthly, whereas TKD Times is bi-monthly. I have also heard of a UK publication called Traditional Karate. I don't know if you can get here in the states or not, though. The Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do organization used to put out a magazine as well, however, I haven't gotten one in a while, and don't know if they do anymore. There is also a magazine titled Grappling, I think, if you that is a subject you would like to read up on.

Local physical rehabilitation centers may have nutritionists on board. You could also speak with your doctor to find out who the local dietitian/nutritionist would be in your area. Personal trainers may be able to give you some advise as well. If you know of anyone around your area that does anykind of professional sport competition, I would be willing to bet that they have a dietitian/nutritionist as well.

I have been seeing the hype on the Floyd Mayweather, Jr vs. Oscar de la Hoya fight. I would love to watch this fight, but I won't get to, due to its availability. I saw that one publication was claiming that it was to be the fight that will save boxing. Apparently, boxing isn't as popular as it used to be. Do you think that boxing has lost some of its quality and popularity? Do you think that this is due to the rise of MMA? Which do you prefer to watch? Do you think that there has been a decline in the popularity of the sport? Do you think that shows like The Contender help boxing out? I would like to see boxing covered more often away from a PPV venue. One reporter also mentioned the need to unify the heavyweight titles. Apparently, there are currently 4 different heavyweight champions. What do you think?

When my wife and I bought a new car, the one we traded in had 250,000+ miles.

The soreness will pass. Keep up the hard work!

I see what you are saying here, but I don't think those kinds of kicks have been around all that time. TKD is not even that old as art itself. It was "formed" in 1955, and the other Korean Kwans were probably popping up 20 to 40 years prior to this. Many of these spinning/head level techniques were probably not used that long ago, especially on a battlefield. Some of the moves are useful now in certain types of sparring competition (hence, the tornado kick), but I don't really think they have been around that long.

I would speak to a nutritionist. They can put you on a diet to help you reach your goals.

Welcome to the Forums! Focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths in through the nose, hold for a count, and control your breath out the mouth. Do this for several minutes. It should help you to gather your nerves, a little. However, after many years of training, I still get nervous. It is natural! Best of luck to you! Keep us posted.

Um, wow, DWx. That is very deep, and very heavy. That was a great brain workout for me. Kind of hard to understand it all, but a great post. Even if you aren't 100% right, it is impressive that you can put it into perspective that way. DWx, John, you two are sharp! Little confused here...so, you mean I did good???

It isn't likely that I will find one around here anytime soon.

I found this: http://www.tang-soo.com/ I hope it helps.

Thanks, Tom. It is fun to do, but I don't see myself flying at someone with a gun...they would hear me coming from a mile away!

Nice, DWx. I think I have read on Choi's circle, but have forgotton about it since. I agree, John. Teaching can be so rewarding. It makes the time you spend worth-while.

Itosu did make the Pinans, and he made them the way that he did so that he could teach them to children. He had a purpose, at the time. However, does that mean the purpose still holds for today? Don't get me wrong, here. I love forms. I always have. I think that they are beneficial to MA practice. However, as I previously mentioned, I don't think that they are a holy grail of the Martial Arts. There are many different styles out there that have thrived without the use of forms as a training tool. I think that Bruce Lee obviously felt that there were better training tools out there, as well. With the years that Lee spent in Wing Chun, I would be willing to bet that he had some level of competency in the art. I would also be willing to bet that he had some knowledge of the use of transitional movements (stances) and how they related to fighting. In his readings, he was a big proponent of the use of footwork. I also don't think that Lee was in the habit of "bashing" other arts, as you mention. He did have his opinions about them, but he also had many friends that were practitioners of the more "traditional" arts. I don't really think that he would have spent time in their workout sessions to "bash" their arts. I could be wrong here, but I think he had a little more respect for them then that.

I agree, Shorin Ryuu, that street fighting everyday would not be a healthy way of learning to be a warrior. However, what we deem as "traditional" Martial Arts training cannot always be viewed as the ideal, either. I think that he could be better than the average brawler. I agree that he won't be able to fine tune some things like power generation and the like, as training in a class environment would. However, he will learn so much more than can be taught in a class environment, such as dealing with the adrenaline, and staying cool. Neither is ideal. I just think that all too often forms are taken too seriously, and are looked at as something that cannot be improved upon or altered.

That is a good way to do it. I used to visualize mine when driving on Interstate by myself for hours at a time. It helped to keep me awake.

I have started using a little visualization in the gym when I am lifting. I put the weight on, and then visualize lifting the weight, with good form, and with moderate difficulty, even if it is heavier weight. I'll keep it up, and see if I notice anything.

It is an interesting paradigm, isn't it, John?

You would probably need a military background and a decent amount of experience if the Marines were going to take you on as a teacher.

I have days like that, too. They drive me crazy, and drive me to try to sharpen up.

For street clothes, I would usually be wearing shoes, shorts, and a T-shirt. However, I responded as for my work, which is basically the typical LEO uniform, with those polyester type pants, a ballistics vest over a T-shirt which is under a button-up collar shirt. Also black work boots (not steel-toed) and a duty belt with the gear on it (radio, cuffs, pepper spray, taser, keys). I would feel it a necessity to do the training in this gear, because things feel and move a lot differently when wearing this stuff. This is the outfit I would most likely be wearing when the crap hits the fan.

I have done a few different styles of sparring. I like sparring, and I think it can be beneficial. It makes for a good athletic activity, which can help out by getting one into shape, if it is done often enough. However, not all sparring is created equal. I think that sparring in a scenario-based training session can be very beneficial, whereas most of the sport-style sparring that goes on doesn't travel down this road. I also feel that sparring styles should have some level of contact. It can teach rhythm, flow, help with combinations, footwork, and distance. It can be a great training tool. However, I feel that it is important to note to students that sparring and self-defense should not be confused.

Very good article, cathal. Thanks for sharing your experiences. It sounds like you got so focused on something, and being aware to it, that you blocked out everything else. Probably the adrenaline, for the most part.