bushido_man96

Unfortunately, I think this how many feel it is going to be when they approach their instructors/masters, and it should not be that way at all. This is a very good point, and a good question.

I answer both as a student and as an instructor. In the past I've cross-trained before so why would it be alright for me and not those I instruct? Even my instructor has trained in other styles in the past. You and I see eye to eye here, bearich. I think that this is one of the best things about cross-training. Also, you may get to be the one who helps out a master in another system with another aspect of his MA abilities. It is a wonderful way to network. That is another one of the many benefits to cross-training. Why some want to keep these opportunities from others, I cannot understand. That is awesome. I respect that a lot.

Well actually no; but there were a few times latter in his life when he wanted to back down; but the opponent wouldn't let him. I recall when, it was either the emperors son or cousin, (I can't remember, its been awhile since I heard the story) challenged him and he refused; but the guy made him fight so Musashi only broke one of his legs instead of killing him. Sure he never lost a match; but there were some that he really didn't want to fight and would have avoided if he could have. Cool. I didn't know that. However, he did lose one challenge, to Jo master. I'll look at home tomorrow and get the name.

She did look to have a bit more power in that one. Here is another, almost the same routine: Two things I have noticed: 1. She does most (if not all) of the standing kicks with her right leg. 2. The flipping windmill type axe kicks, she always does with her left leg. Unfortunately, now she is very predictable.

"You're a black belt???"

No, push-ups is about arm strength, shoulder strength, and chest strength, or endurance, I should say, in general. Also, I don't think doing lots and lots of push-ups will make you tone up or bulk you up, either. I have heard that a lot of what doing push-ups is about it muscle memory and endurance.

Unfortunately, this is the way I think many masters feel, and the excuse of upholding "tradition" leads to a narrow-mindedness that stagnates learning and growth.

Quick question, Kerry, just to clarify if I understand right: are you saying that you should ask your instructor out of respect, or just tell them what you are doing out of respect?

Here is a question: How many of us who are answering this question are answering as students, or as instructors/masters? I answer as a current student and as a former instructor.

Cool article. You found very creative ways to keep martial arts high on the priority list in your life. When I can't do anything else, I like to keep an MA book handy to read for ideas, feedback, or just enjoyment. KF has been a boon to my MA life as well!

Wow....good joke! Feel funny posting now, but I read it, and was humored as well! Forum humor....gotta love it! I will be leary when posts are made on April 1st from now on.

I enjoyed this article. I like the order of the concepts that you used.

Great article, Laurie! It seems like that rank can be the cause of a downfall for some stylists. I think that is one thing that practitioners of styles like wrestling, boxing, and Muay Thai have as an advantage over the more "traditional" stylists. They don't have to 'worry' about what rank they are, or when their next testing is. Their skills in the ring speak for themselves, and lets them know what they need to work on, and what they are comfortable with. I guess ignorance is bliss.

yea!! let's do it!

Sounds kind of cool!

Yeah, I have been know to become a little theological at times!....I just keep it to myself mostly, unless someone is willing to talk about it.

Its the gift that keeps on giving!!!

Happy birthday to you!

I am working on it!

You could work your triceps and biceps in the weight room, to get some size. Tricep stength will help with pushups.

I had heard of Thomas Kurz before. He had all kinds of ads in Black Belt Magazine. He was always showed "kicking cold." I had never checked his stuff, but I figured he was fairly legit.

I practice the Chang 'on forms system (ITF style). Gae Baek is my 2nd dan form. The twist kick may also be called and inverted round kick. Does Gae Baek have a twist kick in it???????? Just curious as I presumed Tae Baek was the same form and it does not....unless I am really missing something!!! What is the system that you do Tae Baek in??

Aw, sorry Kerry! I was late getting on tonight, and didn't catch it....yes, I know, I have my shortcomings as well!!

why is it that whenever people see something they feel is an inconsistency in the MA, the first thing they say is something along the lines of werterners are lazy and anything wrong is directly the fault of they way a style is trained in the west? As if there are no lousy easterners... You and I see eye to eye here, E&K. I get tired of hearing of how "Americanized styles" are killing the martial arts. The fact of the matter is that in the West we are willing to question why something is done a certain way, and then see if there is a better way to do it. Unfortunately, many see this as "Americanizing" something that is "traditional" and taking away from what it was. Things change. People learn and grow. So it should be in martial arts.

This is true, but did Musashi ever meet a challenge that he didn't accept? It sounds like the situation was handled well. If your assistant would have fought him, depending on how things worked out, a lawsuit could have ensued. One thing I would have done is asked him where he trained at. If he can't give a name of the school, or won't, that is where I would say, oooookaaay..... In the end, it just depends on how each person handles these situations. As for me, I am sorry to say that it would probably depend on the mood I was in. You know, if you are just having one of those days.....