bushido_man96

Congrats, cross!

I agree, cross. But, if you get a chance to read any of Abernethey's material, I think you may see that it is possible to get on the right track with kata practice and interpretation. Unfortunately, I don't think enough schools and instructors do it this way (my school and myself included).

I have read a few different articles on the cane as a martial arts weapon. From what I have seen so far, it seems to float around in the Korean style circles for the most part; either in Hapkido or Kuk Sool Won (or Kuk Sool?). I think it is even making its way into some ICHF curriculum. Anyhow, it seems that this instrument has quite a few practical uses. Although the cane may not seem as stylish as many other weapons that float around in the world of kobudo, there is one advantage that it does have over the other traditional weapons: it IS legal to carry around. I think that if I ever get the chance, I will take some lessons on this curved stick. With the way my knees are going on me, it could be fairly practical within several years. What is everyone else's opinion on this weapon?

I just read an article in Black Belt Magazine, contributed by Iain Abernethey. I enjoyed the article, and it has a very straight-forward title: "Making Kata Work." For those of you who are not familiar with Abernethey, he has essentially dedicated his time in Karate to extrapolating the fighting techniques and principles found within the katas of Karate. In the article, he made an interesting analogy. He stated that kata is to Karate what the acorn is to the oak tree. Contained in the acorn is everything needed to become an oak tree. He essentially states that kata is the acorn; it just has to be planted and nurtured properly in order to produce the results that it is meant to. Just thought I would throw this out there. Whether or not you are a fan of kata training, his points are good ones for the kata proponents.

Welcome to KF!

Eh, you know, it may be time. He has been great for Kansas City, but after the concussion last year, he may be thinking about his future. Its hard to say. I can't say that I want him gone, because I don't. However, K.C. does have a history of holding on too long. I heard today that the Broncos traded RB Tatum Bell to Detroit for CB Dre Bly. This could be another good deal for the rival Broncos. Notable releases today: Joe Horn of the Saints, and Joey Porter, LB for the Steelers.

Nah, its up in Omaha. We got a touch of snow last night, but nothing much. It all went North.

A couple of reasons: 1. Girls just mature faster than boys. 2. This is from my experience. My daughter has been taking shots for precocious puberty until recently. She has been on these shots most of her life. The shots were designed to keep her from hitting puberty too soon, because once she would hit it, and start menstrating, her bones would set, and she would be done growing. That is all of the knowledge that I can offer on the subject.

Thanks, Baron. However, I need lots of work on my scissor kicks, yet. I am intrigued by it though, and want to get to where I can do board breaks with it. I am glad to see you found a JKD school that you like. I think it would be fun to do as well. I would love to see how these schools structure things.

Congrats, there, frightmaster! I like the idea of the board breaking being instructional. A very good idea, indeed.

Thanks for the video. It is cool to see someone that old look that graceful.

I think that this kind of action is related to the basic idea of behind the kiai/kihap. Many weapons fighters would give out a war yell in the thick of combat, I think mainly to help relieve the nerves involved when you put your life on the line in such a manner. I am pretty sure that it wouldn't be done in the same, regimented manner that the kiai is taught in MA schools, but it is the same general concept, much like you described above.

Sounds cool, Baron, and it looks like they offer quite a bit of stuff. I hope you enjoy your training there. So, are you done with the Muay Thai school, then? The only experience I have with JKD is reading Lee's book, The Tao of Jeet Kune Do. It is a great book, with loads of information. Lee truly was a student of the arts (or no arts, however you want to look at it).

I apologize; I was directing my questions to the initial poster. My bad!

Let us know how it goes at the University.

I think this definetly contributes to the problem. With limited schools to choose from in an area, the instructors dont have to raise their standards to "compete" with other schools that may offer something better. That is a good point, cross.

I find that the crescent kick/axe kick can be quite useful in some sparring situations. I try to work them in when I can, and one of the tall guys I spar with in class is quite good at placing them. It all depends on the situation.

Well, the Bears signed Lovie Smith: 4 years, $22 M. The Ravens released Jamal Lewis, and Randy Moss may be traded to the Packers. Ooh, interesting! I just saw on ESPN that the Dolphins are interested in Trent Green, if he is available. Now, the big question is whether or not he will be available. Very curious.

It does sound like you two (gheinisch, stejitsu) have very respectable conditions at your respective schools. A fellow trainee of mine read the article, and he stated that he felt very much the same way that I do. He has even stated that he thinks the reasoning behind some of the students not returning is because of the attitude that our instructor has towards studying other styles. I guess at this point, it really isn't much of a concern, because there aren't many other schools around me to choose from. If I ever relocate, though, these will be serious thoughts for me to consider.

The guys can grow up until they reach the age of 22, so there is still some hope left. Ladies are usually done growing by the age 17 or 18, I think. Heck, it may be 16. You should be happy, at 5'9", you have bettered me!

This is very true. That's also the downside. The flailing (while it does produce the power) makes itt hard to control I agree. I don't advocate the 'chucks as a really useful weapon. However, they have value in developing the arms, timing, and some other things that I can't really think of.

duh.... My bad...congrats!

In a self defence situation, how are you going to know if the attacker is trained or untrained? This is a good point. That is why I prefer the low round kick, essentially, the Thai round kick, as I mentioned in the opening post.

I agree. At the TKD tournaments that I go to, the punch is not esteemed as much, because it doesn't cause the body movement needed to score a point all that often. However, there are a few guys out there that know that I will be punching, and they respect it.

The key is technique first, and then work on speed. Try doing reaction drills with the technique; have a partner hold a target pad down at his side, and have him flash it up. When he flashes it up, you strike it as fast as possible. Using some hand held weights, or a cable machine, for resistance, at slow speed with controlled motions, can help to improve the technique and the muscles that work the technique.