bushido_man96

How so? I don't think the fingers would be in too much jepardy when it comes to open-hand strikes. If someone gets a hold of your fingers, then it could become a problem. However, I don't think that striking with open hands will lead to finger injuries. The trajectory of the strikes change some, due to the hands being open, but I don't think the chance for injury increases. The odd thing is that many people will envision themselves punching someone in the head, with no thought of the damage that can be done to the fist in the process. I think you will be more likely to injure your fist punching someone in the head than doing an open-hand strike.

We tend to do a lot of backfisting with our Combat Hapkido practice, but it is mainly used as a distraction technique.

Those are interesting questions. I also wonder if it is conducive to someone with no prior MA experience? We all think about it, but in a sense that we have some idea of what to expect. What if you are a freshman who has never studied martial arts, see this major, and then decide to get into it? I wonder what that experience would be like? I haven't seen anything that states that prior experience is required.

This is great advise....break it down. That is how I try to teach every new technique. When you know all of the component parts, it is much easier to piece the puzzle together.

I have had good luck with all of my Black Belt tests, but in our school, when we go to HQ to test, many have come back with injuries, like blown knees, torn miniscus, etc. I have been lucky, though. Should I feel bad about this???

Dim Mak translates to "Death Touch," or some equivalent. It is basically the idea that with intense training and focus, one can learn to channel his ki into a strike on a certain point of the body, that will cause death, in a nutshell. Look up George Dillman, and you should find a lot on the subject.

Heck, I do this while people are looking!!

Welcome to the Forums!

Welcome to the Forums!

I really think that Rex will rise to the occasion. We may have one heck of a shoot-out this Sunday.

The nice thing about learning the staff is that you can then relate many of its techniques to almost any other polearm weapon. That is why it was so well respected in Western styles.

Hey, congrats to your son! That is wonderful news. When can he test for adult Black Belt?

Thanks, Charles, and welcome to KF!

I am going elliptical, because it doesn't hurt my knees! However, I am sure that there are some that can offer different benefits to different people as well.

Welcome to the Forums! As for combinations, use your kicks to set up your punches. If you get in close, start punching your way out, and then finish with a round kick or side kick, to make sure that they have to come back to you. That is what I try to do from time to time. Good luck, and have fun! Keep us posted as to how it goes.

Who is the Grandmaster of the WTSDA? It isn't Chun Sik Kim, is it? I don't think that sounds right.

Congrats!

What all does your freestyle sparring consist of? Is it harder contact? Does it include grappling?

Those are new to me as well. Do you have a style to associate with them?

Lots of good advise here so far. What I like to do is use the wall or a rail for balance, and execute slow kicks, locking out the technique and holding it at the end. You can chamber the leg, kick out for 3 seconds, hold for 3, and pull back for 3. This builds strenght and endurance in the leg muscles, and helps you see the mechanics of your kicks. You can use this drill on almost any kick that you want to do. Start low, around belt level, and then work your way up.

There are other universities in the States that offer courses in the martial arts as part of a Physical Science Degree, but this one claims to be the first that actually offers a Bachelor's in MA.

When I was in my ATA school back in Colby, KS, we had a lady that tested for her red belt (belt before black), and at the testing, while breaking boards, I think, she ended up really hurting her ankle. She went home and iced, and thought it just a sprain. We also had a tournament that weekend. So, we went and competed, and she placed first in both forms and sparring, wearing an ankle brace. The following week, she had it x-rayed, and found out that it was broken!! She really gutted it out, though. I admired her determination.

I just get the funny feeling that if all of these points really existed, and it could be done this way, that there would just be more of us training in such a fashion. But, hey, I don't know.

I would go ahead and try to get to black belt, before going into something else. Speaking with the sensei is a good idea, as he may be able to advise you better. In the end, you have to make the decision that is right for you, whatever you think that is. We can give suggestions as to what we would do, but we are not you. If you want to move on, I think that is great. I don't think training by yourself is going to help you achieve your goals of realism (unless you have a Fight Club moment, just kidding! ). By not training with someone, your timing and distancing will go out the window. It sounds like you may be suffering from a mild case of burnout. Maybe back off of classes for a week, and then head back. See how you feel afterwards. Best of luck in your decision!

luta livre is the Portuguese form of that. Aaaah, that makes sense as to why they sound so similar, then.