bushido_man96

Wow, there are a lot of good points here. The main thing that I see is the point that Martial Sports and Martial Arts are two very different things. There are several that see it this way. However, I think that they are the same, but that is just me. I think that MMA is an appropriate term, because that is what is going on. Just because all of the arts are not being mixed, I don't think that detracts from the concept of what is happening. If we look back to the days of Pankration, would it be a fighting style, or a rule set? I think MMA competitions have brought it full circle. What Bruce Lee did with JKD was his own experience in fighting. It is well known that Bruce did not have any use for competition fighting. However, his concepts of picking and choosing, and taking what works, and stripping away the excess, has translated nicely to the viewpoints of MMA competition.

That is a very interesting article, NightOwl. Thanks for sharing it.

I kind of thought the same thing. However, there could be a reason. Head conditioning for head butting, I guess.

Well, that's easy to say, however, do we know what kind of money is being made off of the deal? I think more research would be in order before jumping into assumptions of that type.

This is a good deal, I think, Baron. Although I have only known the rank systems, I know what they can, and can't, mean. I haven't really focused on a rank in a long time, until recently, because I feel like I could test for my 3rd dan. Rank or no, it is always important to enjoy the journey.

You must be aware, always, of your surroundings, Grasshopper!

Welcome to KarateForums!

Welcome aboard!

Hey, I do the internet and books! As a matter of fact, when I get done here, I am going to use the internet to buy books.

"Battle doesn't favor the righteous or the just......it favors the prepared." "When I fight, I prefer to fight on foreign soil. That way, if I lose, I can blame it on the terrain!" Here is one of my favorites: "I concede that it was a cheap shot, but it was the only one I could afford!"

This is a misconception that has been brought about by fantasy movies and books, and games like D and D. I think it has more to do with the fact that many people associate MA with the East, and therefore, don't look to the West. The Samurai, in contrast, has become over-romanticized, and it seems that everyone is willing to buy into the Samurai idea more.

Congratulations!

European soldiers, like any other person, would have different preferences based on what they were comfortable with in a fight. That said, there were a great many number of European warriors that would have been comfortable at attacking and defending with his long sword alone, without heavy armor and a shield. If the warrior did have a shield, then the Samurai would quickly find out that they would be fighting a man with 2 weapons, and not just one. Welcome to the Forums, by the way!

It sounds to me like you have a nice journal set up, James. I would love to see it! I don't think that I would require entries in them, but, I don't think that I would need to, either. What I would do is keep my training journal on hand at the school, so they could all look at it, and tell them to feel free to share ideas and concepts with me any time they wanted to. I would also have to show them the journal I have on-line here, as for my daily workouts and notes, etc.

I agree with Baron, here. Dynamic flexibility is different from static flexibility. The main thing is to warm your body up sufficiently before relying on your dynamic flexibility. I cannot do the splits, but I am capable of kicking some tall people in the head. Baron has a good point here, and both should be worked on.

The palm break is easier on the hand. I have done both, and prefer palm heel on the board.

You make a some very good points, Baron. I think that the term MMA itself will remain a sportive idea. However, I do feel that the result of the MMA competitions has really brought about its own martial style, very much similar to what Pankration was in the Ancient Greek games. Although it may never be termed its own style, I really think that it is.

Hmmm, Since I have over 6000 posts, can I buy a belt to represent every 1000 posts?

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!