bushido_man96

I agree that learning other languages is good for you. However, if I want to learn another language, I'll go to a class that focuses on the language. I just think that it can become too much of a focus at times.

Well I would understand wanting to keep it in English if you had someone from a different style visiting, however there are differences across schools about how techniques are named in English anyway. For it to work properly you'd need standardisation in all schools. Also, if I were to go on a seminar in another country, say Spain for example, I would understand more if the seminar was conducted in Korean than Spanish. Training in the native language of the art allows students from any background to understand what is being asked whereas if someone asked me to punch in any language other than English (and Korean) I wouldn't have a clue what they'd just asked me. They could have asked me if I'd wanted a drink and I would be still standing there just as ignornt, wondering what was going on. For me personally, I like to find out what techniques are called in languages other than English. It usually helps me to understand better. For example (sorry but I can only give a TKD / Korean example and its not a very good one): Sang makgi <-- we call this W-shape block Sang palmok makgi <-- twin forearm block Both blocks use the Korean word which we translate as "twin", unless someone had explained to me that I must use both arms I wouldn't know unless I looked at the translation. I'll try and think of a better example but hopefully you can understand my point!?!? I can see the point you are trying to make, but it still doesn't really hold. If you are in Spain, at a Karate seminar, and they tell you to do a kick in Japanese, I am sure you can do that. However, they are going to go into detail in Spanish most likely, so therefore, unless you know Spanish as well, you aren't going to learn much from him, unless he can speak your native language as well. Therefore, unless you know 3 languages, that example doesn't really hold up. You would have to have translators and such. Everyone wants to site the "tradition" side of the arguement to learning the language. However, many times a "tradition" begins for a reason, then continues for years and years, and somewhere along the way, the initial reason is lost, and no one changes because of a "tradition" that no longer really holds a meaning.

There is good advise here so far. Talk to your instructor about the classes, and see if you can work something out about what you do in class. Are you a beginner? Or do you have lots of experience? If you are fairly new to the arts, you may just stick with it for a while, and see if it gets better for you. What is it that you don't like about the training? If you really want out of the contract, then sit down and talk with the instructor about what the two of you can do about it. Usually, good instructors will work with you, because it means good business.

Are you pip from SportsForums.net?

My wife and I started watching Flags of our Fathers tonight, and it was good, what I saw of it. I had to get ready to go to work, so I will have to finish it later on.

Hehe, I think its hard to remember what it was like when I just had dial-up!

Glad to have you back!

This is a good point. However, I do think that whatever reason one joins the Martial Arts for, good self-defense should be a by-product of the training.

4-4-07 Not a big workout day, with my week being messed up. Next week will be back to full-tilt! I did around 15 minutes of bag work, punching today. I alternated punching execises that my friend does: Jab: 10 each side Cross: 10 each side Jab/cross: 10 combinations each side Jab/lead hook: 10 combinations each side Jab/cross/lead hook: 10 combinations each side I was still using the Straight Lead hand position for the punching, and I kind of like it. From 5:30 - 6:00 I taught Orientation. I was working on kicks with the kids today, and it went really well.

If you can give us some ideas of the drills that you have already done, we could look at making some variations or something that can help you step it up a little bit. One thing you could do is look into Loren Christensen's books Solo Training and Solo Training 2. They are full of drills that may be fun for you.

I can see why some would recommend a 360 spin. However, it could put you out of position, in which you have to work back to. No big deal, really, because that happens when fighting. I do think that you can generate sufficient power when not spinning; it is just a matter of being able to control your momentum.

Hey, Kez. If you believe in your instructor, then trust in what he will do, and know that he is doing it in your best interest. As for the others, don't concern yourself with them. I know it is tough, but it is about your journey, not theirs. If what you fear happens to materialize (which, from what you have said, I don't think it will ), then speak privately with your instructor about it. Best of luck, Kez, and stay the course!

I'm like you Brian, i perform lots of punches too. Why do you prefere to do it this way? My reason is that i'm rubbish with scoring with kicks, i just can't seems to make them effective while sparring. I'm sure this isnt the case with you Brian I'm not to bad with mawashi-geri because i am quite flexible and can kick quite high with it. What i do tend to do a lot while fighting is front kick and come down fast with uraken or kizami-tsuki, even tho i don't score with the front kick, its a good decoy to get in my second strike. I like to punch like this because it is to my advantage, being the short, stocky guy in class. When I spar the taller guys, they like to keep me away with kicks. Also, I don't counter much...not very good at it. So, instead of countering, I block a LOT, and let them come in closer. Once they are within range, I will punch, punch, PUNCH! Even though we wear chest protectors, I make sure they feel 'em. I have pretty good kicks, too. However, I am a touch slower than most in my class. I will trade shots any day, just to show them that it won't do much unless they move me back. But, once I crowd them, and attack with my hands, they have to figure out how to get away. Then, as they start to drift away, I will throw in a kick, to clear them out. Try that, Kez. Use the hands, and make them have to work away from you. Once they get just out of your punching range, clear them out with a kick or two. See how that goes for you. I also like the spinning heel kick, to the body or the head. It may sound funny, throwing it to the body, but even if they have their hands up, they are going to feel that 245 lbs worth of torque! I will try to start working on that for my counter kick.

One point could be that it is more comfortable for someone else to do the technique in that fashion. It can still have a point. It may not be the same point, but that is ok. As far as making educated opinions as opposed to uneducated ones, I think you have a good point there. However, many people will lock into the tradition of what is there just because it is there. It blocks your way of thinking and adapting. It is ok to change things, sometimes. It helps to stimulate learning, and that is one of the things that Martial Arts are about, in my opinion.

I like to work in close to my opponents, and then punch away!

I don't think it really matters either. At least...I've never been taught left or right by my sensei when it comes to sitting seiza. However, I usually go left knee down first, simply because...that's what my body does! This is something that starts out with a reason (wearing a sword), then gradually, the reason fades away, and then everyone is left doing it "just because."

Good points, ps1. I slap a lot, too, but I am also working with the rolling out option as well.

True enough...something tells me it's probably still not enough to beat Rickson though. I'm always going to be biased here though. My instructor is a Rickson Gracie BB. That's true, but what if Benny knows enough to keep the fight from going to the ground?

The last time I went to an international seminar the whole thing was nearly in Korean. That way everyone knew what we were doing regardless of their native language. Personally I find that when a student uses the korean terms, they tell you exactly which technique they mean. They could ask me to demonstrate a side kick but then I'd have to ask whether it was a piercing, pushing, checking, high, middle, low... whereas if they'd just said it in korean they tend to say the whole thing because they are more concious of what they are asking. Also at our school, the students are asked to research the culture and history of Korea (us being a TKD school). Learning to recognise and translate the languge is a part of that. Not all schools use all of the terms, though. I know some of the basic terms, but not all of the discriptors for the different types of side kicks. Therefore, to it would be easier to keep it all in English. Plus, it gets confusing if the TKD guy visits with Karate guys.

"No floppy fish technique"...for keeping the feet tight when kicking.

Get with the doctor, and ease up on your training until you can move better. Stretch out more at home, very lightly. There is no point in testing if you are injured and can't give it your 100%.

This was a fun read. It is about Joe Hyams' journey of learning Zen through the Martial Arts, and then applying (or attempting to apply) it to his life in general. Full of anecdotal chapters on lessons and discussions from various instructors, like Bruce Lee, Jim Lau, Ed Parker, Bong Soo Han, Pat Strong, and even a chapter about Mas Oyama. The chapters are insightful and informative, and you come away knowing that you can apply various ideas and concepts throughout your life, if you just slow down and realize it. A very good read, and I highly recommend it. If anything, it is enjoyable, full of interactions and experiences that many can appreciate.

This book was an interesting look at a stick fighting method developed by an Indian Police officer named H. G. Lang, who was Superintendent of Agency Police in Kathiawar, India. The method he describes is very simple, using the stick to make "cuts," and then continue to follow through, to circle back around to a guard, or to send in another attack. He describes various strikes, guards, and "tricks" used to disarm and take down another attacker. He stresses speed and suppleness of the wrist to maintain control of the weapon. Some of the movements mimic some sword-type movements, and some are unique. I enjoyed this book, and I feel like this system stick fighting could be fun to use. The system was actually adopted by the Boy Scouts in India, and replaced the staff in the curriculum. There were some good points in this book. As a how-to book, it can be tricky to follow at times. However, it is an interesting look at a weapons system that could have some valuable uses in self-defense, with a simplistic weapon.

I kind of like the idea of signing off on things, Heidi. Not a bad way to go, there. That way, students can see how far along the instructors sees them as well.

Sweet...do you mind if I throw your quote around the school? I am always looking for new ways to say the same things....this fits the bill!! You are more than welcome to it, Heidi!