bushido_man96

I was reading an article in BBMag by Bill Wallace this morning. He was discussing self-defense and reality-based fighting. Towards the end of the article, he makes a statement saying that reality-based fighting represents the roots of the Martial Arts. I know that it is just Wallace's opinion, and know one can really say that he is right, but I think that he makes a very good point. Initially, the Martial Arts were not about stylization and competition. They were about simplicity and efficiency in war. On the battlefield, things had to be as quick as possible. I know that the Martial Arts have come a very long way in its evolution. However, it always seems to go full-circle, back to keeping it simple in times of crises. What do you all think?

I think that another strength that I have is the willingness to listen to new ideas and from others. Keeping an open mind and an open ear are great ways to learn new things.

I read an interesting little article in my Black Belt Magazine by Jim Wagner. He said he does't use the word "stop" in his classes. He says many trained attackers would know that many fighters will stop when they hear the word, thus giving them an advantage. What do you think? I think I will try telling my partner to "stop" the next time I do some sparring, and see what kind of reaction I get.

Standing toe touches, seated reverse hurdler stretches, front and side splits can all help to improve your flexibility. However, also keep in mind that flexibility won't do you much good unless your legs are strong enough to lift themselves that high. Don't neglect leg strenght, either.

Congratulations!

Best of luck to you! Keep us posted...

DancingSteve is right. Your feet will calous in time. Just take care of them, and keep 'em clean. You can get some stuff called mole skin to cover areas that may blister, for when you wear your shoes. There is also some fake skin stuff that you can get, as well, that adds a protective layer of skin to your feet.

I think that it may help with colds, but I don't know about other sicknesses. I think that if you train while sick, your body isn't really focusing itself on healing, like it should be. If you do choose to train while sick, I would recommend training on your own, so you don't risk making others sick as well.

It is nice to see that he is willing to work with you somewhat. Hopefully, it will be intensive enough to suit your needs.

If you were in a TKD school that did ITF style forms, then you may recognize some of the movements in the forms in your Karate. Try to find out what style it is. This should be easy to find out. Welcome to the Forums!

Thanks for the information.

Thanks, baron. I have read the most of them, or am in the process of doing so. I am almost overwhelmed with information!

Ouch, NightOwl! A little rough on Romeo Must Die, huh? I had another thought. Check out some Ken Norton movies, along with Lorenzo Lamas, and Cynthia Rothrock.

I think that Bruce did do quite a bit to aim the MMA revolution. I wonder if he would have delved even more into groundfighting than he did. As for the straight lead, I usually lead with my strong, right hand. Being right handed and fighting southpaw can really mess with some people.

The rebel yell was very effective, but it was done by huge groups of attacking Confederate soldiers trying to incite fear in Northern soldiers in a mob way while blostering their own courage. Kiais are different, in my opinion. Mine too. A war yell is primal and used to raise your adrenaline into a frenzy type level. It's more about the group than about the individual. A kiai is about controlling you energy. It still raises adrenaline levels, but in a far more concentrated, controlled manner, which is focused into a single momentary event. It focuses your whole being on that one fraction of a second. Much different than a war cry. I think that the kiai actually gets its origins from the group war yell of the ancients. It really all goes back to the same thing. The kiai, the war yell, the grunt of exertion when maxing out the bench press, and even when football and basketball players let out a shout when de-cleating someone or stuffing the basket home. They all have essentially the same goal, and the same origins, in my opinion.

Excellent post. I agree completely.

Welcome to KF!

3-23-07 Legs: Power clean: 135x8, 155x6, 165x4 Squats: 295x8, 315x6, 335x4 Abs: Decline abs: 3x20 Hangning knee raises: 3x12

Originally, he did not want to name his art, because it would add a limitiation to it. However, after being convinced that he could market the book better with a name of the style, I think he agreed to do name it.

This is a good point. Whenever you do any kind of body conditioning training, the goal is to be gradual, so that you can keep doing it. When you go too far, and have to wait for the body part to heal, then it becomes detrimental to the training. Take your time, let it heal, and then be gradual.

When you spar, force yourself to only use your hands for attacks and defense. This will force you to change up your strategies, and use your hands more.

I don't think that there is anything wrong with a kiai performed like this...in fact, many cultures have used war yells like this in their histories. You just have to use it in the right place and time.

It is tough to make it all work, sometimes. Remember your priorities, and everything else can fall into place.

I think that this is a good thing. However, I try to give all I can to each of my students. However, I do think it is easier when the students are demonstrating their willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

Yeah, you are on the right track there. It helps to build explosiveness in the muscles, which can help with kicking speed as well.