bushido_man96

Very good question. Even technique may not be enough. Knowing technique does not necessarily translate to fighting ability. I know guys that don't have a lick of tangible technique, but they can scrap. That is a very good question as well. Why not test them for Nidan?

When I do axe kicks, I tend to chamber them as well.

Oh, of course! Duh!

That is an interesting concoction. Not what I had in mind, but it would work.

Thanks, JWLuiza.

Well, this depends on the school. As for WTF TKD training, you may be right. However, from what I have seen, I think that the TKD training that I do is very similar to some TSD schools' training methods.

It seems odd that a 3rd dan would break away and create his own style, doesn't it? I would think that one would not do this until he had achieved a masters rank, or something similar. However, I could be wrong.

That is a good question; however, styles like muay Thai and boxing have been able to by-pass katas completely, and make very competent fighters soley through the use of drills and sparring. Newer styles like Krav Maga have also been successful without the use of forms training. You are correct, there are many benefits to practicing katas. One thing that I think that has helped to add interest to kata training is the competition aspect of it. I love to compete with my forms; it is actually the division I prefer to compete in. Do I think of my form the same way when I compete than when I train otherwise? No, but then again, competition fighting is rarely the same as fighting, either, with the exception of MMA. All in all, I feel that competition is very beneficial to aspects of the martial arts. I don't know where I am going with this, but it sounds good.

His katas were very nice, too.

I don't see why it woundn't be a rear hand hook, because he doesn't square up his feet in the video clip. He maintains his stance. I understand what you are saying, but you don't have to square up to throw the rear hook if you are close enough to the opponent. When I work on the bag, I throw front and rear hooks. I feel it is a matter of technique, and you must be in position to use it correctly, like any technique.

You are making a very good point, mantis.style, and I feel that your way of learning would be very authentic. I don't think authenticity has really anything to do with lineage, tradition, or standards of training. What it has to do with is effectiveness. And if your learning experience is effective, then you are getting authentic training. The fact that you started with sparring concepts in training doesn't mean that it was not "authentic." On the contrary, it could in fact verify the authenticity of your training.

Sohan asks some very good questions, and all of them are relevant. That said, you may just want to dive right into something; anything. The reason that I say this is that what ever you do first will help you to understand what some do, and what some don't do. You will figure out what is missing, and what else it is you want, and then you will always be able to build on it from there. Hopefully, your MA journey will be life-long.

That is a good point. I can kick hard when I am cold, as long as it is from knee to waist level. Anything over that, doesn't really work anymore.

I find this very interesting. It makes good sense.

Well, how old are you? I am 28, 29 in January.

You are welcome.

When I teach my students in class, when doing basics and forms, I try to teach them not to bob up and down too much. I feel that it becomes telegraphic and is wasted energy. That is just my feelings, however. Sometimes you can't avoid a little bit of head movement, but I don't think that the legs should straighten between each stance transition. I always say to the students: "You don't walk like this, do you?" and then I do an exaggerated walk where I stand straight up tall on one leg, and then dip low when taking the next step. It usually getst the point across.

Ok, I see. I don't think this is the case. I think it is a difference in teaching philosophy and methodology.

It's not a dumb question, and I actually think that you can benefit from doing what you are doing. It is good to know what you are capable of doing, whether you are cold, warmed up, or pumped with adrenaline. It is not a bad practice, but like anything, you just have to make sure you do it right. I used to be able to kick high and fast right out of the box, with no warm-up. However, times have changed, and I am older, and I find I must warm-up more now than I used to.

It sounds like you got a good deal on the genetic side of things. By the way...what is that thing in your avatar?

I don't know if it has the same foam, or a different foam. However, it does feel different striking the hanging bag than the freestanding bag.

Ok, found one: http://www.penntkd.org/index.php It is a university club, so I don't know what the criteria for membership is. Give it a try, though!

I can't seem to find any. Try googling, and see what you come up with. I tried WTF, and couldn't find a directory. Maybe try AAU or USTU.

here is some TSD discussion regarding So Hu Yun. Best, Is there supposed to be a link??

I've seen a number of discussions where people with backgrounds in physics and kinesiology have disputed the effectiveness of the sine wave to create power. I also find the up and down exaggerated motion to be quite ugly, and when on earth would you find the time to execute sine wave if you happen to be in a real fight?! Hip twist at least is economical and logical. Sine wave. Yuck. I really think General Choi came up with it as a way of differentiating his TKD from others'. I think that most of the people who don't like the sine wave are the ones who have seen it over-exaggerated. The original sine wave, I believe, is more sublte than what some schools are teaching now. As for its effectivness, I feel that it is neither here nor there. Some will swear by it, and some will not.