bushido_man96

I don't know why this is, but for some reason no one thinks that any Western civilizations or cultures developed any useful weapons or fighting forms. It seems that the only sword ever created is the Japanese Samurai sword. Because the west never held on tightly to it's old martial arts and weapons, so there isn't that sense of ancient 'mystique '. Rather they updated their fighting methods to fit the times. Eventually, swords were phased out for guns, grappling into wrestling, bareknuckle fighting into boxing, and swordfighting into fencing...they did have skilled swordsmen, fighters, AND fighting styles, but it seems to me at least that they decided to get rid of the old and mostly stick with the new. European weapons were hardly bad: crossbows, spears, bows, etc were used both in the East and west. Instead of the Bo, they had a quaterstaff, and while the sword design was different, both could be used fairly well for hacking away an opponent. However because the samurai were around for so long, they are the last people who lived literally by the sword, and as such they have an air of romanticism and nobility that we sometimes long for (although chivalry has never been a common in either culture for the most part). This is true, however, there are a lot of people out there reconstructing the old systems, and there are some very good medieval stylists out there. There are also some very good websites. The other thing that gets me is that many people who 'practice' Eastern weapon styles do forms, but no weapon on weapon practice. The exception seems to be kendo, but I can't think of any others, aside from the Fillipino styles.

Glad I could help!

Man, that's crazy, Sohan! I do the regular burpee; I am not too great at the push-up ones. I will see if I can give it a whirl, after the holidays!

What's wrong with this!! When I listen to music, if I even remotely know the song, it turns into a kareoke session. It may be annoying to the people around you. Ahh, I just ignore them!

When I am in practice mode, I focus on stances, technique, targets, etc. When I am in testing or competition mode, I just let it go. Put my power into it, let it fly, but still keep my timing and breathing. I focus, and almost get angry.

You are welcome! I'm glad that it clarified things for you, Havoc88. Sometimes, I tend to ramble, and things just get murkier! However, bearich has cleaned up for me a few times.

Well, you would think that TKD would work the best for taller people. I feel that this main concept comes from the competition aspect, as opposed to the self-defense aspect.

You make a good point here. Many people are thinking about the physical conflict part, and not the management part of it. I think that both are important. However, I get the feeling that most people think it may be easier to learn the conflict management part than it is to learn the physical confrontation part. Therefore, I think most people seek to be taught the physical aspects. I agree with you here, stating that the pre- and post-fight situations should be dealt with as well. However, I don't think that a lot of black belts have experience in these areas either. However, it would be good for many to learn. Also, spending some time on some common sence scenarios would help this as well. I agree. These are excellent points that should be stressed.

I think it is kind of like the way MMA competitions are set up. Usually, everyone there will fight standing, in the clinch, and on the ground. Sanshou mainly is stand up, clinching, and then throwing, and no ground fighting after the fall. Therefore, many of the fighters will not be concerned about the 'style' that they know, but will be concerned about using the techniques that have the highest percentage of success.

I know that General Choi used destruction as a way of demonstrating technique and power. I am not sure who started it, though.

TKD: I learned how important good technique is. Also, I learned that I like to kick, and like to push my body, seeing what it can do. Hapkido: I have learned the little footwork involved with trying to manipulate someone. I also learned a little about striking when in close.

TigerDude has some good pointers. What you can do to help yourself out is shadow box in front of a mirror, and watch how you move. Watch your arm motions when you kick, watch your footwork whenever you set up a technique, and watch what your other arm does when you punch. This exercise will help you to figure out what you are doing, and then you can work on fixing it. It is nearly impossible to get rid of every little telegraphing move, but you can get rid of the major ones.

Those are good points, but I still think that maybe Vary could get rid of Littlefinger if he wanted to. He just seems to be in control. I think he has a plan for Petyr; I am just not sure what.

I prefer to use a hand-held calculator, but if there is no other, I will use the one on the computer. My wife, however, is one of those 10-key 9th dan black belts, and can zing out numbers on the 10-key pad faster than I can get through a buffet line on half-price night. So, she prefers the keyboard and computer.

I don't know why this is, but for some reason no one thinks that any Western civilizations or cultures developed any useful weapons or fighting forms. It seems that the only sword ever created is the Japanese Samurai sword.

I don't think that a katana will really have that easy of a time cutting up a quarterstaff made of oak. If anything, what would likely happen is that it would get wedged into the bo, and then probably be wrenched away from you. The other condition is that you are considering trying to strike the weapon. Usually, you will be too worried about trying to defend the other weapon as opposed to trying to set up a well-placed strike to destroy another weapon.

Have fun with it, P.A.L. If being left-handed concerns you, you could just start it out right handed, and then switch back and forth. Or, you may get lucky, and have a left-handed teacher. However, as a rule, being left-handed shouldn't cause a problem for you. If anything, whatever he shows you, just reverse the motion for being left-handed. It may prove to be an advantage for you, as the others will have to adjust to fighting a southpaw, and it may take them some time to catch on. When me and my friends get together and weapons fight, I still get caught up by the lefty in our group. When I line up with righties, my sword is on their shield side, and their sword is on my shield side. When I line up with a lefty, our swords and shields are on the same side. It can make things wierd, and takes some time to adjust. Also, let us know if the Korean kendo has any differences that you would know of from Japanese kendo.

Just try to slip in 20 minutes here, 15 minutes there. You can still do it, you just have to budget your time better. Here is an article that is a good reference for this matter, courtesy of PSBN Doug: http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=14047 This should help you out a lot. Good luck, and stay positive!

What's wrong with this!! When I listen to music, if I even remotely know the song, it turns into a kareoke session.

Good suggestion, in fact thats a really good starting point.Thanks, Brandon!

I simply call it timing, but yeah, same thing. One of the pieces of logic I use to explain rechambering a kick is that a kick is a strike, just like a punch. You wouldn't throw a punch and leave the arm out and let it drop for multiple reasons including: 1) it gives you opponent something to attack or grab, 2) it creates a weaker guard position, and 3) it doesn't set you up for any kind of follow up. These same three principles can be applied to a kick, however, with a kick you would also have to worry about that if you don't chamber and just let you foot fall, but you also have to worry about your balance on the way down. By rechambering your kick you get to bring it back down in a controlled manner rather than just letting it fall where it may and hope it doesn't slip on something--potentially putting you on the ground. Bingo, bearich. Those are all important points in kicking technique. Very similar to the way I approach teaching them myself.

Thanks for the explanations, Ottman. I didn't realize that it was a defined rules set, as opposed to a style all it's own. But, judging from your words, it really could become it's own style. If it is always kept seperate from the Kung Fu that it echos, it most likely will become it's own, soon.

This a great explanation, ps1. It is important to realize that everyone in the martial arts moves at their own pace, and not that of others in the class. Excelling in the martial arts is about overcoming personal obstacles; not about competing with others in the class.

Welcome to KF!

Merry Christmas to you!