bushido_man96

I think that if I ever get to run my own school again, that I would like to implement the use of Training Journals for all of the students. I know that many can end up quitting, but if they ever look back to be reminded of what they did and learned, it may inspire them to return. I think I would include curriculum for each rank for them, as they get to it, along with ideas for research to cultivate themselves. History, philosophy, etc., as well. How would everyone else do this as well?

I know I couldn't!

Success is where preparation meets opportunity. Luck is the residue of design.

Try this site: https://www.thearma.org and...http://www.aemma.org/ There are plenty of books available from Paladin Press and Chivalry Bookshelf as well.

You only fail if you stop trying...otherwise, think of it as slightly delayed success.

Those are ok descriptions, but try to be as specific as possible. Imagine that you are training someone who has no experience. Also, think how you would describe things if they were blind. Here is how I describe the front stance: 1. Step right leg forward...take a big stride, maybe 3 or 4 feet. 2. Front knee bent, back leg straight, walking on railroad tracks. 3. Make the knot in your belt (or your belly button, if not wearing uniform) point straight forward. Fighting stance: 1. Step right leg forward, about 3 feet. 2. Point front foot forward, back foot sideways, making a big L with the feet. 3. Bend both knees, 70% of weight on back leg. Much more concise, and less room for misinterpretation. Remember, try to keep it as simple as possible. Hope this helps!

Very nice, ps1. That is a great application to use in class, and I may have to work it into my curriculum in the future. I have a brother who would be perfect to put a mask on...5'10", 350+, strong as an ox....good to feel an attack from someone like that. As for your statement that not everyone gets every technique 100% right, I feel that this is the most important thing you can do for them...as we all know, it will never work out perfectly. But, as my partner says, "if it works, then you didn't do it wrong." "Thrive in chaos," as W. Hock Hocheim would say.

That's the spirit! One technique that I do that no one else does (getting off-topic a bit) is the instep round kick--through 2 boards. Not many will do that one!

this is something that I've noticed with most karate students, no matter what the style, the inability to hit an object withoug pushing. In all the schools I've learned at there were only a few students who understood what it meant to hit an object and not "show off" and move the bag around or knock it over (wavemaster, BOB, etc.) Like I've been thinking for the past few weeks, you're quite lucky to have found Nakata sensei. Someone who truly understands power. I can see what you are saying here. There is a fine line between hitting the object with penetration, and stopping the technique at the right time, and in pushing through (or muscling through) the target. As with anything, proper feedback, both by watching the bag, complimented by verbal feedback from the instructor, can help to achieve the proper execution. I do think that swinging bags would be able to provide a more appropriate visual feedback than a standing bag would. With time and experience, however, you would be able to "feel" if it is right.

I think it would be a grand time. Maybe, in the future, we can work something out. However, by viewing the descriptions of your system, I think that you may have more to offer me than I to you.

Well put, ps1. A very good attitude to have, I think, in regards to ever-persuing training.

That is interesting. Another style I had not heard of before. Thanks for the link, bearich.

Its good to see you back, Kez. That must be rough, not having the internet at home. I can't imagine what it would be like, suffering without KF! Hope to see you around!

That certainly was a funny one, Kez!

If it makes you feel any better, in 14 years of TKD training, I have never been able to do the splits. I have been close, but I have never got there. So, if you do get there, you will be one up on me!

Practicing slow kicking, while using the wall or a bar for balance, will help to build some leg strength. Kick out slowly for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, then rechamber slowly for 5 seconds. Hold your leg as high as possible. Another variation is to pulse your leg up and down very slightly, about 6 inches, when you have your leg extended. That will help build some strength as well. Weight training is a great way to build leg strength, too, so don't neglect it. I like to do some hip adduction/abduction exercises sometimes, along with squats and some lunges. Don't forget to keep stretching as well. You can use some PNF stretching to help with your standard stretching routine to really add to your stretching routine.

Welcome to KF!

I agree. There are lots of good sources out there on the subject of Western Martial arts. I have quite a few books on Medieval Swordsmanship, and even one on Medieval Quarterstaff.

Just keep plugging away. You will get it. I have had a failed testing before, too. It happens to the best of us.

Think of it this way...the push-ups are making you stronger. I actually address this kind of situation in the article I wrote a while ago. I think it is an important attribute of an instructor to be able to admit when he doesn't know the answer, and to point you in the direction to get the answer.

A good thought. That is why Law Enforcement dogs are trained in different languages or words. Therefore, they can't be controlled by others. They are also so well trained that they know when to go, and when to go harder. Good point. I think you have to say it very earnestly, though, for it to work right.

That is true, but it is kind of ingrained in our nature to listen to the word "stop" when it is said to us. Also, imagine not just saying "stop" once, but saying it many times in a row, along with words like "whoa" and "wait" and so on.

3-29-07 I didn't do much today. I did stretch out for 10 minutes this evening before getting ready to go to work. I sat on the floor in a seated split, and stretched left, right, and forward at various intervals. I stretched out my arms and chest as well.

Here ya go. Check these out: http://www.footpaws.com/