bushido_man96

After being at my Jeet Kune Do school on different days for striking, clinching, and grappling - I haven't even done trapping or weapons yet - I can say it really is an MMA school. Even though the instructor calls it JKD, has an Inosanto lineage, and trains some actual classic JKD techniques like the straight lead, modern MMA has taken over for Bruce Lee's concept of JKD. Train what works, eliminate what doesn't, train in all aspects of the fight and tailor your training to your own body and talents. That is so cool, Baron. I think that Bruce Lee was quite the pioneer in the evolution of the martial arts. The best part about JKD is that the concepts can apply across the board, no matter what your initial training is, or even if you have never had any formal training. You do own The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, don't you, Baron?

While I understand why it was outlawed, I think that if competitors were once again allowed to wear gis in high-profile MMA (eg: UFC) it might be taken more seriously by the sorts of people who would allow it into the Olympics, because it drives home the idea that many if not most of these guys are experts in a more traditional style, not just wild bar-room brawlers (although some are both! ). I think they would probably also need to wear more protective gear; remember that Olympic boxing and TKD both require headgear and I wonder how that would interfere with techniques like some of the chokes. You make a good point here. The IFL is taking steps to refine the sport, but I don't think that it will ever adopt that much protective equipment. It would change the sport too much. I do think that they could adopt a uniform, like a wrestling singlet, or something like that.

What the boxer does with those exercises is practice timing, gain conditioning, and prepare for their ring fights. All of them build on each other, and the mitt practice helps them to learn the combinations and set ups. I am not going to disagree with you that forms can be used to help fighting training. What you have pointed out in boxing is the conditioning aspect of thier sport/art. I think that they spend a lot more time sparring than many traditional styles of martial arts spend sparring. Forms are great. Fighting is great. A good balance is a good recommendation, I think.

You make a good point about being on your back in grappling, Baron, and I think that is the only downfall to the training of wrestling as it would relate to self-defense. Other than that, good stuff.

For all the talk about "traditional" punching, it raises a question for me. I feel that punching is truly one of the most basic techniques that we can do. I think that from the first time one human raised his hand against another, the punch has been around. Sure, there are sloppy ones out there, but for the most part, any punches that were used as part of any martial system really don't have much of anything different to offer. I guess, what I am trying to say, is, a punch is a punch.

Very cool. Reminds me of some scenes from some Jackie Chan movies. It is a very unique form. Was he conking himself on the head with that bench, though?

As do I, Baron. There is a lot less confusion, I feel.

Great post, Sohan. I can understand how the frustration continues, though, even under the listed circumstances. I understand how you feel about them quitting, and I think it is the Instructor coming out in you. I would feel the same way as well. No matter the reasons, it is always tough to see students go. It always makes you wonder if you could have done more for them. However, in the end, it is their own decision to make.

Congrats on your accomplishments! It sounds like you are stuck in kind of a similar situation with your training as is mentioned in this thread: http://www.karateforums.com/how-to-improve-vt30977.html Even though it may be tough, try to get training sessions in with those other students as often as you can. Even if it is every other weekend, traveling, try it. Keep at it, and you will continue to improve.

I have been an instructor in the past. In fact, I ran my own school for a time. I do feel that it is important for students to have trust in their instructor. However, it is not our responsibility as instructors to pull the wool over the eyes of our students when comes to the pros/cons of what each of us are capable of doing in regards to teaching and helping our students to become the best that they can. Because instructors can be wrong, too. I will be the first instructor to admit that I neither know it all, nor claim to. All I can do is offer everything within my ability to each and every student that I come into contact with that is willing to learn. If they wish to seek another opinion, then I think that is fine. The only warnings that I would give is if I feel that they are not going to be working at a quality institution. Otherwise, I think everyone is allowed to make their own decisions.

Has anyone seen this yet??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzhfkJHq7SY HILARIOUS!!! I laughed through the whole commercial! Who says Chuck isn't a good sport!!

Who did Stevens sign with? On a side note, the Broncos signed Brandon Stokley to a one-year deal. And it appears that the Miami Dolphins are interested in a trade for Trent Green.

Even some average skills can help to get one out of a situation. However, I think martial arts study should lend a focus to these kinds of situations.

That is good advise, Tom. Aside from being accosted by a gun-wielding assailant, the knife will probably be the weapon we see the most. Learning to defend against one would be a good skill-set to add to the self-defense repertoire (did I misspell that?).

Absotively, Baron! I think you make a good point here.

I think that these two should be synonomous. I agree that they may have some seperate nuances, but survivng a battle should relate to the individual as well as the group level. Im not sure i exactly understand, but if you are saying that martial arts and self defence should be one in the same(?).... Unfortunatly in these days they are most often worlds apart. Yes, I think that they should be the same....even if you are not training for self-defense purposes, the training should be such that good self-defense becomes a by-product of the training.

If it helps, Hard Target is a Van Damme movie. You could also do TimeCop, if you are up to it!

Cool. Very nice! I need to get a still pic of me up here. Now, I just have to find a wide-angle lens.....

Thanks for the pointers, Sohan. I will look them exercises up, and try some different ones. The snatches I have yet to try. I hear you on the warnings, Baron. I think another important factor is for people to swallow their pride and start with a lighter weight, and work with it until they build some strength and get the technique down.

Great stuff, Baron! Hey, James, I have a question on just about all of those Training Drills that you listed above. Could you give kind of an explanation of what they are, and how you go about them? I would appreciate it greatly! 3-21-07 Today was a light day. I only taught Orientation from 5:30 - 6:00. However, I did a chunk of the basics along with the kids, which got me a little sweat going. On a note more important than my personal training, the 4 kids that I had in today are showing wonderful improvements, and things are beginning to click for them. Its the days like these that really re-enforce my confidence in my ability to teach. Today was great!

Good for you! Glad to hear it!

It goes into the stretch-shortening cycle, and really building up explosive power in the muscles. Do an internet search on it, and you will find plenty of information.

I think that these two should be synonomous. I agree that they may have some seperate nuances, but survivng a battle should relate to the individual as well as the group level.

On Monday (3-19-07), I worked with a partner on slipping jabs and crosses to the head. It was a good experience. I don't flinch or blink a lot in sparring, but with this practice, I caught myself doing it again. I enjoyed it, and will practice it more.

I agree, Baron. I think it truly has evolved to become its own art.