bushido_man96

Thanks, Tom. Those are all very similar drills! I have been working on a flying side kick that I have to do for a board break...it is coming along slowly.

This is a very good approach to take; I like it a lot. That is something our instructor gets to view in nearly every class, as the black belts line up in front for basics, with the lower ranks falling in behind. The low ranks always have a good example in front of them.

I agree with this point. There is a difference between sport fighting and self-defense. Most of the time, in self-defense, you don't get to start from the preferred fighting distance, like from a corner. I know that there are some RBSD instructors that tend to teach how to get off the ground, as opposed to keeping the fight on the ground. It is possible to use the MMA training on the street in defense, however, it is still important to realize that competition fighting and self-defense are different.

I'll bet that is quite the motivational factor, Rick. It must be very nice to have someone like that to reflect on. I am sorry to hear that you lost your sensei. You have my condolences.

None now. But I would love to have a big dog.

Good idea with the petro-jelly, Ed. I would not have thought of that.

It does work well. Even the gym members have to have an access card. That way, when they try to buzz in, and haven't payed dues, they get a weird "access denied" buzz. Time to write the check!

Nah, she thinks I am weird anyways. You know, there is something special about us Martial Arts types! Good to see ya back, Baron. Been a little while. I was getting lonely on this thread!

Personally, I think wearing a very nice uniform, well pressed, would be the way I would want to go. I am not much of a suit person. A nice uniform with your organization name on the back, or a patch, etc., would look good to me. I hope you find what you are looking for, though.

No, you are right; picking fights isn't the best of ideas. However, I would rather have some grappling knowledge to go with my striking knowledge. A little bit can go a long ways.

I understand what you are saying, obiwansbane. The element of surprise is somewhat debateable, because if they attack you first, you might be the one surprised. At any rate, what you say is akin to what I mentioned.

I honestly think that anyone's first fight is going to be a wake-up call. No matter how you train. However, that is not to say that there aren't better training methods out there.

I had never heard of that before. I always try to strike with the bone when I block. Of course, I am not in Shotokan, either.

Cool video. I like the flying armbar. They have some interesting leg locks, too.

I agree. That makes Moss very draftable in Fantasy next season!

Ah, cool. The one on the left, correct?

That is a good idea, indeed. I will have to keep that in mind. At my school, the instructor has a computer system that you slide a card by, which registers your attendence. He can probably look back to see how many classes we attend in a month as well.

Cool, thanks for sharing!

Thats where EVERY martial art breaks down- the only difference is that BJJ acknowledges it... Extremely good point. There really is no Martial Art that is effective against multiple attackers.

Unfortunately, I don't think we ever really know until we have to use it.

I don't view the MMA gyms as a threat to the Martial Arts. If anything, they are a boon to the Martial Arts. MMA gyms aren't that much different than Boxing gyms, Thai boxing gyms, or high school and NCAA wrestling schools. Even though they aren't spending time in a "traditional" style, they will still learn things like discipline. That training will discipline anyone, I think. Aside from the respect thing, I think that most of the people in the world are respectful, for the most part. You can always find someone that isn't respectful, and they may feel this way because of their ability, or any other of numerous factors. You can even find people like this in "traditional" Martial Arts.

Hey there, storyteller. Man, that is a tough break. I am sorry to hear about all of that. I found this website: http://whizzie.tripod.com/Belts_and_Uniforms.htm Let me know if that is what you are looking for.

I agree. It is never too late. You will do fine. I first took up Hapkido at the age of 26, I think, or 27. Can you tell me what "freestyle" Hapkido is? I had not heard of it before.

Haha, yes. As often as possible.

That is true. Ego can become a factor. However, it also comes down to doing what you want to do with your journey as well. In the end, if one does become overwhelmed, I think that many times one will notice, and then choose to back off, or re-focus their attention.