bushido_man96

I started mowing lawns in the summer that I turned 14, I think. Then, I worked at McDonalds.

I understand what it means...however, couldn't this chi be transferred to non-flexible weapons as well?

I agree with this also. However, most schools dont treat kata this way, it seems that kata is one of the major focuses, not a training aid, but rather the training. I think you are correct here.

I would like to do more swimming, but there isn't always a pool available in the winter months here. I may try in the summer, though.

Frog jumps are great for the legs; they tucker me out quick!

I was on Myoplex years ago, but I don't think it did a lot for me.

I have read both, and both are good.

Don't give in!!

Thanks for the title. I'll give it a look.

Ok, I had a thought on practicing forms that came to me today, and it stems a lot from some things that Sohan and I have conversed about. It has a lot to do with training in general. As martial artists, we still do a lot of things, training wise, that don't apply directly to self-defense. Take sledgehammer routines, for instance. I love doing the sledgehammer routines. However, they don't translate directly to fighting. The results will help, however, but not transfer directly. Forms come into play here, as training; for endurance, technique, etc. Why do forms, though, when you can do other things? The reason is because it is good to switch up your routine from time to time, so you don't stagnate in your results. Forms can help, however, they, like anything, can be taken in moderation.

I am not sure I understand that question. Do you mean both of the " softness training" and "the practical applications training"? Yes. That is what I mean.

This leads to an another interesting issue, and that is, wether what Bruce Lee actually practised in his final years, was really kung fu, or was it something that was influenced (perhaps largly) by kung fu, amongst other things, and hence lacked the essence of what kungfu really is (We must remember that Bruce Lee never mastered any given style of kung fu, not even Wing Chun). This in turn leads to the question of wether we can use Bruce Lee as a reference anytime there is a discussion about kung fu. Whether Bruce Lee was said to have 'mastered' any form of Kung Fu isn't all that relevant...he was not a big fan of styles anyways. However, the mark he left on the martial arts is significant.

Oh, yeah. Forget all my years of training; I'm moving up to flour bags!!!

Don "The Dragon" Wilson (actor)--world champion kickboxer

Who is that? "The Deadliest Man Alive" Too bad he's dead though... Anywho, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count_Dante All I can say is....wow.

I have seen my share of these students come in and go out. Many of them are very talented, but they just end up leaving.

Get yourself and your mother out of that situation. If your mother is unwilling to get herself out at your request, then get out yourself. Things like this go on and on, and begin to escalate. If he is holding you like that one day, he may be striking you the next. The best thing you can do is get yourself far away from him. Call the police, and report him, even if it is against your mother's will. Believe me, you would rather have her mad at you than have her in ICU, or worse. Don't be an enabler. Get away, and get safe. Don't think twice about fighting him.

"A weapon is an extension of the body" It isn't just that easy. If it wear, you wouldn't need extensive weapons training to be good with them.

If you are purely concerned with learning weapons for self defence there is alot you can do with only some basic knowledge of sticks. This may be the case, but I don't have many experienced stick fighters around here. However, there are some disarms, grips, and such involved in many medieval styles, that would probably translate well with some work and adjustments.

Well, I can't really answer this one very well...a little over my head. In junior college, I took micro- and macroeconomics classes, and I did enjoy them. However, I enjoyed the macro class more, as it seemed like it wasn't as attached to formulas and such. You got some deep stuff going here, Sohan!

Currently, some friends of mine and I try to get together once a week and have what are essentially medieval combat fighting sessions. They are not practical weapons, I realize, but it is a blast, and I enjoy it so much. I would love to learn a Kali or Arnis style, but there is nowhere around to learn it.

That is kind of cool, Sohan. When I was in high school and college, I took a lot of Spanish classes, and got decent at it, but it has gone by the way side as I have not practiced it lately. What is the defenition of a Dravidian language, exactly?

I think that boxing would be a good time. However, kickboxing would be fun as well. Two really different aspects.

I hope that you enjoy it! Let us know how it goes for you.

This is a good perspective to look at it from. However, it is obvious that you can gain things from training in both. However, you don't need both to be good at it. This also opens up a whole new can of worms....that of 'weapons training' in the 'traditional' martial arts. Aside from kendo and Filipino styles, all I see of 'kobudo' training consists of weapons forms, and no sparring or weapon on weapon contact or self-defense. Perhaps I have just been exposed to the wrong styles, but this is the impression that I get.