bushido_man96

This is true. If their focus is techniqe, then it is good to know that. That is one thing about our school and our instructor. We practice technique, and compared to other schools at tournaments and testings, our technique is good. However, there is more to it than that.

I heard that they had the Arnold Fitness Fest spread out over 3 buildings this year? Is that right?

That's an interesting clip, AndrewGreen. It didn't look like he applied the choke as tight as he would have in the ring, but it did make the point.

After spending years in the arts, I don't find the Kiai to be intimidating any more.

That would work, if it is someone that you have contact with. Sometimes, I go somewhere that I don't know anyone who does any of the training. I would think that the school owners/instructors would be willing to accept you in to at least watch, and ask questions.

Ah, may have to check into that. However, I do have 3 books ordered about a month ago that I haven't read yet. Time to get crackin'!

The name isn't familiar to me. However, I know that medieval fencing was popular in Italy, Spain, Europe, and Great Britain. They all have some weapons roots there.

I agree. They are learning how to get hit, but I haven't seen any practical fighting applications there.

I would like to, but there aren't many options around here. The options are pretty much train, or don't.

Sounds great, Baron. My wife will love the fact that I need to buy another book!

Congrats!

Many years ago, my dad showed me a kind of passive stance in which the arms were loosely crossed, and showed us to bring them up to block attacks. It may not have been the best, but it was an idea. I have also seen the stance where you have one hand on your chin, and the other under the elbow, like the "Thinking Man" pose.

I think Fists of Fury was the first movie to have a fight scene that had more than 3 kicks in a row. I read that somewhere....

"You must achieve formlessness".....

I like this way of doing the kick. Nothing but dead weight flying into the leg. If you can't evade the kick at all, I suggest covering your body with your arms, and sticking your elbow right down on the ankle as the leg comes in on you. You may get hit, but they won't like it much. (I have been guilty of this in my TKD classes; I am known for blocking ). If you can't evade at the time, try the down block and a quick shifting backwards. As you down block, sweep the block across, and strike the leg from the side, instead of downward. This should help a bit.

If you can catch some old ISKA Strike Force matches on ESPN late at night, you can see some of the long pants matches. I never really related the different clothing to the different rule sets. But, it does make sense.

You make a good point here, NightOwl. I tend to agree with you. When my class is taken up by basics, forms, and one-steps, I leave knowing my technique is good, but my level of application ability is what is in question. I think this order is how it is in most martial arts schools, that do forms or katas. However, this is what I think it should look like: 1. Self-defense/applications 2. Drills for applications 3. Fun 4. Uniformity I could throw in others, and this is just a guideline. However, I think self-defense should be at the top of the list, at any rate.

That's interesting. I never realized that. I have heard this as well, but I don't think I would try to disarm someone with a cresent kick. It just sounds too risky.

What are some of the adjustments made on the Can-Ryu side? Is it just the addition of the kickboxing and boxing, or are there some other concepts and techniques involved?

Sounds like it all went well. Congrats to you!

Every time I hit a city I have never been too, I look in the Yellow Pages for MA schools. I have visted some different ones before, but have never had a chance to work out at one. I think it is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and information, and is great for networking martial artists together.

Great post, Baron. I agree.

Exactly right! That's truly what it comes down to. Gotta love the football analogies!

Would you consider Kali/Arnis as no-form options, even though they are mainly weapons styles? I would consider them, at least from a weapons standpoint. For some reason, I didn't think about them. Or JKD, for that matter.

I've always been told that the reason why Gen. Choi introduced Juche was because Ko Dang wasn't physically demanding enough. The kicking techniques in Juche meant that those moving on to 3rd dan were of a higher calibur That makes good sense, and I think that the point has merit, too.