bushido_man96

That's cool, James. What level of contact/padding were you doing these sparring matches at? I am interested to know, for equipment purposes.

Most people will tell you that the heavier, the better. Heavier uniforms also hold up better for grappling, if that is what you do.

This has been my experience as well. Also, I notice that many Karate practitioners talk of choosing a kata to do at a tournament. At the tournaments that I compete at, we usually have to do the form for the rank we are, or the one below, if we have not had the chance to learn the new one yet. Differences in styles, I guess. It makes the world go round.

I know what you are going through, Kez, being an adult and working with a class full of kids. We have a few adults, depending on the night, and it is tough at times. You just have to push on through!

Thanks for the info, James and BJJ is #1. I didn't know they were associated with JKD. I'll bet it would be fun to hit one of their seminars. I always enjoy weapon-on-weapon work, and I think the Martial Arts should do more of it.

Thanks for the information. That is interesting stuff. It is cool to hear about the little modifications that different regions come up with, in thier training and whatnot. I would think that those kicks would be powerful, even if modified.

This book takes an Iain Abernethy approach to the Ch'ang Hon system of TKD forms (the ITF forms). In this book, Anslow takes each form (including four direction block and four direction punch drills) and digs out the applications involved. It shows applications for each of move of each form, up to Jung Gun tul. The applications are very well explained, and the descriptions are supported by photos that guide the visual aide. Accompanying the forms applications are brief histories of the person for which the form is named, describing their importance in Korean culture. The author also opens the book with his philosophies on the teaching of TKD forms, how he went about his research for the applications, and his MOs for each of the applications. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope that he is able to bring out the second volume soon. Even if you don't go along with what he demonstrates, it does stimulate the brain to think about what the forms can mean to different people. An excellent book, in my opinion, and I recommend it.

What do you think is the possiblity of ever being sued as a Martial Arts school owner/instructor for being "negligent in the teaching of self-defense?" I know it may sound odd, but there are some very odd things out there that lawsuits have come out of...hot coffee, for instance. Here is the scenario: Let's say you teach Martial Arts, and part of your curriculum is teaching self-defense. Now, lets say that one of your students gets ripped up very badly, or even worse, killed, in an altercation. Now, the family decides to sue you for negligence, stating that you did not teach well enough, or were negligent in your teaching approaches, etc. Now, you sit in court. What do you think? Could this ever happen? I know it sounds far-fetched, and I don't really know what brought it on, but do you think that it could happen sometime? What are your thoughts? How would you react?

That is an interesting idea. I kind of like the way it sounds. 10 minutes, eh? This is a very good point. Technique should come first, and then the height and power can be added as it improves. Also, as Steve mentions, the core is very important. Everything we do begins with the core, and it should be tight and strong, in order to enable us to do things more efficiently, even everyday tasks.

Hey, that sounds like a good excuse as any to get the new hardbound collector's edition that is now available..... Thanks, James. I was envisioning something like that, as well. Since I have shorter legs, I almost always have to step forward in some way to get a kick to land. It would behoove me to conceal my movements as much as possible. Today (4-12-07), I am sore! My abs are killing me, and my triceps, lower back, and leg mucsles are aching. I haven't been sore like this for quite some time. It feels good. On a side note, I guess you could say that I officially began my son's MA training today. I got out my clapper target pad, and after demonstrating a few kicks to it, he caught on pretty quick! Get ready, world! Bushido_man96,Jr is on his way!!

Those look like some great workout ideas, James. Thanks for sharing them.

Very interesting points on the pressing with technique and pressing with movement. Can you give me an idea or two on how I might be able to apply this myself?

Best of luck to you!

What does their curriculum consist of? I know they do some weapons, but do they have hand-to-hand as well?

That is cool. I think that most of the Capoeira artists are in very good shape, and can move very well. Imagine how well they can move with more simplified footwork? And the value of conditioning cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to the time to defend yourself.

You are very welcome. We enjoy any kind of feedback that you are willing to pitch in, or any other questions that you might have. I'm sure there are things that you could help the rest of us with as well.

I used to have an alarm clock like that, and I loved it. When I wake up to the other ones, it is like I have been jolted awake, and my heart gets to racing. Now, I usually wake up to music, so it isn't so bad.

These are some great ideas, Kez! Also, thanks for the site. Very nice. Damn you bushido_man96, give Kez credit for my hard work! Sorry 'bout that, cross! I try to give you props when I can!

These exercises are great for building explosive power as well.

4-11-07 I was reading The Tao of Jeet Kune Do early this morning, and was going over some of Lee's notes on feinting. I came up with a few ideas to try when I spar. I want to try to start feinting some jabs to set up some side kicks or round kicks. Even if it means taking a few hits when I deliver my real jabs the first few times, it will help to sell the feints. I may try it with some longer, stepping lead punches as well. Also, I want to feint with a back leg round kick, to draw the spin side kick counter, and then counter the counter. Conditioning Sledgehammers: 3x1:30, 1 min. rest Stairs: 3x45 sec, 1 min. rest Steppers: 3x30 sec, 1 min. rest Jump rope: 3x1 min. rounds....I pretty much suck at this. The last set was the best, though. Ab roller: 3x10....OUCH. Now, when I cough, it HURTS! When I started the second set, I thought, "oh, boy, only 9 more!" Technique Cable reverse punch: 10x50, 10x60, 10x70 At the 50 and 60 pound sets, I can put a little speed on the punches, and control them all the way back. At 70 pounds, there is more resistance to work with. I really feel it in the triceps, and then back behind the shoulders later on. Cable lead backfist from on-guard position: 20x10, 3 sets, each side. This was ackward--I think that next time I may just do a lead punch instead. Flying side kicks, over 3 obstacles, into heavy bags: 10 each leg. I need more work on targeting my foot, and keeping my body aligned when I strike. I also needs some more work on jumping power. Forms: Chon ji - Jung Gun, then Gae Baek twice = 9 forms in all. Flying side kicks over 3 obstacles, with no bags: 5 each side. These were very bad, and I need more work on not having a target to hit, and getting full extension. Also need jumping height. Spin heel kick: 10 each side. I did a very whipping variation of the kick, more like a spin hook/heel hybrid, to gain some speed. Worked well, I think.

I'm definitely going to get some of these ! Thanks! You are sure welcome. And welcome to the Forums!

Don't just say that it isn't useful. You just have to use it in the right place. Try this: the next time you are sparring, feint, draw, or do whatever to get you opponent throw a back leg round kick. As they throw the kick, do your jump spin cresent kick as a counter. Here is the important variation....your jump is not high...instead, you barley come off of the floor, doing a "switching foot" motion, instead of jumping. You should get some use out of that. Let me know how it goes!

These are some great ideas, Kez! Also, thanks for the site. Very nice.

Forms have changed throughout their existense, depending on how different people interpret them. I have seen this with my TKD forms as well, the ITF forms. In some organizations, where they have standardization across the board, you will see very few differences in the forms (the ATA is a good example). However, when you get so many people that "break away" and "do their own thing," you notice the different philosophies and teaching concepts worked into the forms. Welcome to the Forums, by the way!

Even if you take 10 minutes between homework projects to do your form, it is 10 more minutes of training. Even in small, spread-out bursts, you can still work a little something in. Can't believe I didn't think of that before. Thanks for the advice bushido_man, that's something I'll try out. It ought to have other benefits too - whenever I get stressed whilst doing homework, I could get up and practice a few forms and techniques, calm myself down and then get back to work. =) There you go! You are more than welcome. I agree. You are training in a time that is designated for something else, so it is not the same as putting aside an hour or whatever to get in some training. Like you said, it may not be a full-on workout, but it gets you moving, and helps to keep things fresh.