bushido_man96

So, you are a beginner in Shotokan, have no prior experience, and want to double-grade at a testing this year? Pretty lofty goals, I think. My advise to you is not to worry about the testings, but what you learn in between them. There is so much more to it than double-gradings and the next belt. Enjoy your time. Don't rush it.

Go to each of the schools that you mentioned, and watch a class. Then, interview each of the instructors in the same manner that you are asking these questions to us. This will help you get the best answer. Good luck, and welcome to the Forums!

Practicing on a punching bag, or a speed bag, can help as well. Technique first, though, then work on speed.

I usually agree with just about everything you say. But keep in mind that Brazilian Jiujitsu has every take down that Judo has. The link below is of Rickson, Roion and Royler at a Judo club in 1987. This was the school of Howard Nishioka who is a legend in the sport (Rickson, of course, beats him a couple times). My point is that it's a good school and they all hold their own. Howard is even heard saying that Rickson and Royler could represent their country or the US in international Judo competition easily. While Royler's take first take down in the video was a little sloppy, the second one was text book. Watch how he hooks the leg and rolls through with it. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1015797790370952500&q=royler+and+rickson&hl=en Thanks for the correction, ps1. I guess it is just that in any of the fights I have watched, the takedowns didn't appear impressive. Not that they do, mind you...simplicity is the key. It is a comparison based on what I have seen in Wrestling and Judo.

When holding the kicking shield, make sure you get into some kind of STANCE before letting the other person kick!

Looks like you have a good deal there, Baron. Best of luck with it. Let us know what the school is like!

Ah, my mistake. Same things applies though, books for reference are great, but only so much of the physical technique can be learned with someone to guide. I agree. But, when nothing else is available....

In European fighting styles, often times the quarterstaff was learned first, as many of its concepts would transfer to other weapons, i.e., the spear. Just about any of the attacks and defenses of the quarterstaff will translate to the spear. The staff even has thrusting attacks. It is correct to say that the spear may be a bit more complex, but they still have many similarities. The spear may be longer, but the concepts still remain. As for throwing the weapon, there were specially designed spears for throwing......they are called javelins.

Self-defense will come down to what the training consists of, regardless of the style. Likewise, with your fighting stance in Karate, you should stand how you feel comfortable, as opposed to a stylized fighting stance. It is all in the way the instructor approaches things. Sure, sport fighting will differ from self-defense. However, there are advantages to be derived from both. Welcome to KF, by the way!

I think the 'chucks were deemed illegal because of their history of crime use, as previously mentioned. Then, when they weren't such a problem, they were forgotten about, but the law doesn't get taken off of the books. Therefore, they are still illegal.

Havnt seen that specifically. But like any instructional tape, no matter how good or clear the information is, it wont compare to learning in person from someone who knows what they are doing and can show you what your doing wrong. Thanks, cross. I wasn't referring to a tape, though. Its a book. I usually prefer reading books on MAs to watching the videos. Much easier to reference.

I think that if I were the Kempo stylist, I would have began the fight by keeping my hands up. He did not defend the takedown well at all. And to be quite honest, I don't think that BJJ has very strong takedowns. Royler is a skilled grappler, but I didn't think his takedown was a very good one. If their is a weakness in BJJ, I would say it is in the actual takedowns. Sure, they get their opponents down eventually, but I think that the styles of Wrestling and Judo are better about getting to the ground.

I missed out. I don't get to watch any PPV events much anymore, since I work at night. I have a buddy that I used to work with, who had Dish Network, and he would have UFC parties all of the time. I really miss them. Now, I just catch the re-airings on FOX Sports, or Spike. Thank you for sharing.

They go well in a circuit with heavy bag, skipping, and whatever else you want to throw in. Ah, thanks for the ideas! Does anyone have any information on this title: Boxing: A 12 Week Course? Also, view here: http://www.turtlepress.com/Boxing_p/box.htm Thanks!

I feel this way as well. Simplicity is a good thing. Reference this thread: http://www.karateforums.com/the-best-kick-for-self-defense-vt27323.html

I have heard that many TSD schools and orgs include a version of Bassai Dai. I have heard of a few TKD schools that do so as well. Does TSD have as much of its roots in Shotokan as TKD does?

I also bow to the judges when shaking hands and receiving trophies, and then after they dismiss the group.

I think you are refering to a top and bottom bag, or double ended bag. They have a few names, and has you said, are good for working slipping etc. While i wouldnt rely on this alone, its great when you are getting started or training without a partner. Good for your all round reflexes to. That sounds about right. I have also heard them called "crazy balls" and "headache balls." I have heard they are a great workout.

In the ocatagon, we all see the Thai and boxing influences, and of course, the BJJ. However, I think that many more traditionalists come to the ring with their own styles, and then tweak in the boxing and Thai skills. Each fighter will have his own style, like Liddel with his striking, and of course, there are others.

Learn to be aware of your surroundings all of the time. You can notice a lot of things when you start looking.

Very interesting story. That guy was very brave.

Although those titles are somewhat dated, I think they are very valuable reading. Did anyone know that Grandmast Cho was a 1st generation black belt under General Choi?

Those are very good points, MizuRyu. I think your point about the rules of the UFC has good merit. The same conditions kind of arised early on in the existence of Judo, and when the Judo and Jiujitsu practitioners dueled it out in bouts to determine which would be used to train the Japanese police force. What the UFC/MMA practitioners have going for them is much the same that Judo had as its advantage: training methods. The rule sets allow them to train safely, and at combat speed, without the risk of disabling the training partner. I truly think that is where the advantage of MMA training comes into play. I also think you are right that it in no way diminishes the value of other martial styles. The advent of MMA competition has caused other MAs to stand up and take notice of the value of being experienced in all ranges of combat. What should be happening is learning and sharing in the world of MA. Not to be confined with the world of MMA, but to all MAs. Good post, by the way.

I have seen those before, and I would love to give them a whirl. I used to do speed bag work, and I loved it. Not much head movement involved there, though. Great for hand speed, however.

This is a good starting point to. But it needs to be built on so your reacting, not anticipating what your partner is doing. To achieve that, give the pad holder a number of options of how they can counter attack, then you have to react to each one has it comes. I like the idea behind this one! I think I may try it. The hard part is learning to react, rather than anticipate, like cross mentioned. I do want to try it, though. I think I could work it right into my Combat Hapkido curriculum, if I ever get good enough at it!