bushido_man96

The last time I went to an international seminar the whole thing was nearly in Korean. That way everyone knew what we were doing regardless of their native language. Personally I find that when a student uses the korean terms, they tell you exactly which technique they mean. They could ask me to demonstrate a side kick but then I'd have to ask whether it was a piercing, pushing, checking, high, middle, low... whereas if they'd just said it in korean they tend to say the whole thing because they are more concious of what they are asking. Also at our school, the students are asked to research the culture and history of Korea (us being a TKD school). Learning to recognise and translate the languge is a part of that. Not all schools use all of the terms, though. I know some of the basic terms, but not all of the discriptors for the different types of side kicks. Therefore, to it would be easier to keep it all in English. Plus, it gets confusing if the TKD guy visits with Karate guys.

"No floppy fish technique"...for keeping the feet tight when kicking.

Get with the doctor, and ease up on your training until you can move better. Stretch out more at home, very lightly. There is no point in testing if you are injured and can't give it your 100%.

This was a fun read. It is about Joe Hyams' journey of learning Zen through the Martial Arts, and then applying (or attempting to apply) it to his life in general. Full of anecdotal chapters on lessons and discussions from various instructors, like Bruce Lee, Jim Lau, Ed Parker, Bong Soo Han, Pat Strong, and even a chapter about Mas Oyama. The chapters are insightful and informative, and you come away knowing that you can apply various ideas and concepts throughout your life, if you just slow down and realize it. A very good read, and I highly recommend it. If anything, it is enjoyable, full of interactions and experiences that many can appreciate.

This book was an interesting look at a stick fighting method developed by an Indian Police officer named H. G. Lang, who was Superintendent of Agency Police in Kathiawar, India. The method he describes is very simple, using the stick to make "cuts," and then continue to follow through, to circle back around to a guard, or to send in another attack. He describes various strikes, guards, and "tricks" used to disarm and take down another attacker. He stresses speed and suppleness of the wrist to maintain control of the weapon. Some of the movements mimic some sword-type movements, and some are unique. I enjoyed this book, and I feel like this system stick fighting could be fun to use. The system was actually adopted by the Boy Scouts in India, and replaced the staff in the curriculum. There were some good points in this book. As a how-to book, it can be tricky to follow at times. However, it is an interesting look at a weapons system that could have some valuable uses in self-defense, with a simplistic weapon.

I kind of like the idea of signing off on things, Heidi. Not a bad way to go, there. That way, students can see how far along the instructors sees them as well.

Sweet...do you mind if I throw your quote around the school? I am always looking for new ways to say the same things....this fits the bill!! You are more than welcome to it, Heidi!

Welcome to KF!

I saw The Holiday the other night with my wife, and it was ok.

Welcome to the Forums! You should do an internet search around your area to see what is available. Then, go around and take a look at all of the dojos, and see what you like. When you get to Australia, do the same. Good luck on your journey!

That helps, thanks. I can reverse it from there, if I need to. The above post helps out too. I appreciate it!

Great discussion, guys. I think that Caporiea would have a lot to offer, and I think it would be a blast to do. And it is true, the high kick does have uses. I have seen a few UFC knockouts with head kicks. Yes, they aren't popular, but they do have their uses.

If this is what kata is about, then can I go out, get into a bunch of fights, and have someone record what happens as I do so, and then transfer the moves into a kata, using the order that I used them in the fights? If kata are supposed to be ideas and concepts, then they are open to anyone's interpretations, and anyone can form their own ideas and concepts, based off of their own experiences. So, we could realistically end up with an endless series of katas.

Enjoy yourself there, PAL. Let us know how it goes.

You never know what kind of training Benny has been up to for the last 20 years. Maybe he has added some ground game?

I think that you make a very good point here, Baron. I actually discuss this in my article, and I think it is part of the confusion in the martial arts. Many people think that competition doesn't make it a martial art, like boxing, MMA, Thai boxing, etc. However, I feel the opposite. I think that they are styles of fighting, or martial arts, in themselves. I really think that the street fighter, like Tank Abbot, could be considered an MAist as well.

I agree. Distractions are very important, and we do a lot of them in our Combat Hapkido training.

VERY nice, Bushido Man! That same line of reasoning could be used about tattoos. That would make a good signature. Thanks, Baron.

That's a good post, Muki. I think that it is important for certain responsibilities to be required for testing for higher ranks. They aren't for just anybody. One of those thing, I think, is teaching, or at least experiencing it. Not everyone is a teacher, but everyone can learn something from the experience. However, it seems to me that the requirements that you had were a little bit much. It is important to take into account the other things in your life, like relationships, family, etc. Without any of those things, your martial arts training may not be as complete. Balance is important in everything that we do; life, love, and Martial Arts.

The standardization isn't as universal as one might think. Korean stylists use Korean, and Japanese stylists use Japanese, etc. So, there is still a language barrier when it comes to crossing styles. However, if all of the English speakers, for instance, called the side kick a side kick, they could interact just fine.

Congrats, DWx!

I have learned just as much from my students as I have ever learned from any of my instructors. I have been humbled more than once even by the youngest and smallest students in the class.... Also the greatest teachers I have had consider themselves as students not teachers... I agree. You can learn from anyone, anytime, anywhere. The important thing is to let your ego go.

If I may interject , I think that one of the most valuable things a student can learn is to be able switch lead sides, and to be comfortable with it. It makes you a more versatile fighter, and can take your opponent out of a strategy. I love to do this when I fight/spar.

Hello, and welcome to KarateForums. Are these the styles that are available for you to take? If so, I would feel that judo would compliment your Goju training very well. You would have a mix of stand-up and takedown/groundwork, making you very well-rounded. Waiting is not a bad idea. However, if you feel that you can take on both at a lower rank in Goju, then you could start it out sooner.

You make a good point, ninjer. In the end, you could just make the arguement that there are no styles, only fighters.