bushido_man96

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/

Thanks, DWx. It is coming along, I guess. I am working on my flexibility as well, so that I can get that twist kick around like it needs to be. It is kind of a funny situation at the school; I am the 5'8", 240 pounder, trying to jump around and do this kick. My buddy, holding the bag, is 6'3", 180, and he was trying it a little, but didn't do a lot of it, like I do. I kind of though that being more athletic, he could pick it up. But, that's ok. I like being the short, stubby guy who can jump around and do the cool things at the school.

Man, for that price, I think I would just be happy with the one I have. That's rough. Can you just get a new belt without embroidery that won't cost as much?

I like the descriptions of the concepts behind the forms that you mention, Shorin Ryuu (emphasize the use of hara (basically center of gravity), osae (the press), and koshi (hips)). Very nice. I would like to see how you do some of this someday. It sounds very interesting.

You make a good point, NightOwl. Partner practice does offer a lot of realism, if you do it properly. However, unless you get into competition, I don't think your friends/partners will let you practice moves on them full-tilt. However, I think you can get a reasonable amount of realism in the techniques when partner training. Some of the moves done in katas are not done in sparring/two-person work because many times it is more difficult to apply them in a more dynamic, reactive environment, I think.

Thanks for the site, James. You answered my question. That is kind of what I thought it was about. Maybe sometime I can work my way towards your way, and you can give me lesson or something.

I am not exactly sure what the standards are, however, I would think that the applying instructors would have to provide a curriculum, along with other requirements to be considered for accreditation. The board that approves the accreditation included GM John Pellegrini, GM Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, GM Floyd Burk, along with many others (for what its worth, George Dillman is included, as well). As far as directly answering your question, I can't at this time. I will continue to look around, and see what information I can find about the topic.

I read that the ITA (Independent TaeKwonDo Association) offers Kwan certification through their Kwan Registration and Accreditation Program. Basically, what they do is offer recognition to Masters who have created their own style, curriculum, and interpretation of the art. I think this is kind of a nice idea. Being accredited is a big thing for any business endeavor, and the Martial Arts industry is really no different. It kind of echos back to the days of Korea before the Kwans were eliminated and brought under the umbrella of ITF TKD. What does everyone think? Good idea, or bad idea?

I think that the insurance excuse may be just that...an excuse. Boxers train hard, with contact, as do Thai fighters, MMA fighters, etc. Hard contact really isn't even mentioned by cross. In the end, I think it can be done. Many just don't know it, and therefore, save face by not doing it. I think this is a great thread, cross, and you have hit on many points that are important. As I have mentioned before, although many people sign up for the martial arts for various reasons (sport, fitness, self-defense, etc.), I think that confident self-defense abilities should be a direct by-product of any MA program.

In my new issue of Black Belt Magazine, there is an article on Western Swordsmanship, namely, the Saber. Some of the concepts involved in Saber usage are discussed, along with some general Western swordsmanship history. Overall, it is an informative article. I don't think that Western Swordsmanship gets the respect that it deserves from the Martial Arts community. I think that the art of the sword has been so mystified in the East that many think that it is the only way to be done. The West has a very rich tradition of swordsmanship, and it is very much worth looking into. I was very excited to see this article in Black Belt, and I think that more articles like this need to pop up in the future. The Martial Traditions of the West are just as rich and useful as those of their Eastern counterparts.