bushido_man96

Ah, I see. I didn't know that. I guess some things are lost in translation.

I heard that the UFC actually has a patent or copyright on the Octogan, so you won't see other organizations using it. They may use square cages, but no octogan.

Which do you prefer to watch? Why? Do you think one of the organizations has better fighters than the other? Which one has the rule set you prefer? I have been partial to the UFC lately, as it is the one I get to watch the most. However, there are some excellent fighters in Pride as well, and I would love to see some inter-organizational competition.

Cats. We had 3 cats before my son came along. I will never have that many in one house again! Just too much work, between vacuuming up hair, and changing litter boxes. And the vet bills....holy cow!

I was wondering which forms system you prefer to practice? I have done some of the Tae-Guks, but currently practice the Chang 'On System. I have also used the Songahm System of the ATA in the past. Right now, I prefer the Chang 'On system, because of the applications that I have found can be applied to them. How about everyone else? Feel free to include Tang Soo Do forms, as well as any other system you might know, like MDK.

I see your point.

There are many option for partner drills in arts like TKD and Karate, I just think that they aren't used very much. Olympic TKD stylists do a lot partner work with hogu (chest pad) drills, kicking paddle drills, and include footwork and attack/counter drills. You are correct Jiffy, stating that Karate and TKD styles don't do all partner drills, but we could do a lot more if we wanted to.

Ah, yes, good addition.

I understand what you are saying, Menjo, and I agree with you. However, I feel that many people are misled into thinking that self-defense is encompassed by one big block, and one counter technique, and don't think about continuation, like the other punch that is coming in right behind the first, or the fact that the first was just a feint. I just don't see it happening this way, even with someone who is inexperienced. I know that most martial artists don't think this way, either, but it is the perception that is given to others that causes the problem.

Sounds like you had a good time.

How'd you do there?

All good advise here. For stretching, I would work on front splits, and more so on side splits--this is the actual side kick position, if you pivot the base leg.

You are correct. It doesn't limit you, and there is always something new to learn. I think it is up to the individual here. Some people like to keep it a secret, and then, when they line up with a white belt to spar, and floor a white belt, then they make their announcement. Granted, this doesn't always happen, but it does happen. You can keep it a secret, but people will usually find out eventually. If the belt is just a belt, and it doesn't matter, then why does it matter if a seven year old holds black belt rank? You make some very good points, and I think it is beneficial to study other styles, whether they recognize your rank or not. No one can take away from you the knowledge that you have gained. Welcome to the Forums, spark!

You make some good points, bearich. I agree that kata is one of many tools that the martial arts have at their disposal. Here is an order that I feel should be considered for martial arts training: Basics should lead to forms--forms should lead to bunkai, and bunkai should lead to kata-based sparring, or some other form of resisting self-defense application.

I like your method, Jiffy. It echos the way I feel about self-defense. The only problem with having one good block is that it only stops one technique. It is good to know how to duck, slip, and evade attacks as well.

Cool, thanks! Another bookmark!

Not too bad. I made it to the top 11, but I didn't make it to the top 3 (they didn't tell us where we ranked between 3 and 11) That sounds good. A good learning experience, huh?

I second that. The fight that Brandon Lee has with the kung-fu artist toward the end of the movie is great. Also, I watched Kung-Fu Hustle today, and I just about busted a gut! It was great fun!

Did you know that Chuck Norris' real name is Carlos?

Another point is that if you find somewhere to train, you may meet someone there that knows a little boxing, and would be willing to work with you. If you want to do some reading on the subject, Turtle Press offers a book called Boxing, The American Martial Art. I have been meaning to buy it, but have not yet. Welcome to the forums, by the way!

You raise a good point here, elbows_and_knees. When I was in the ATA, I can remember the history behind GM H.U. Lee creating his new forms. They are very nice forms, and they are fun to do, and are great for building technique. However, even with the forms system that I use now, it seems that forms are made, designed, or borrowed and used just to make a curriculum, i.e., to have something to do at testing. You test, and then learn a new form, and test again. To me, this is stagnate training. We need to have a reason for the forms, or if there is no reason, we need to apply other things in the testings, like drilling, more self-defense, and perhaps some more spontaneous activities of defense. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy doing forms, even if I don't know applications to them. I still like to do them, and they can be a measuring stick for skill development. However, I feel that application drilling is just as important as well. I also feel that even if forms are newly designed, you can still find applicable techniques and drills within them. They just need to be taught and drilled.

Very nice. I just bookmarked it!!

This is a nice explanation. When I was younger, my dad taught me and my brothers some foot sweeps, because that stuff was legal when he sparred competitively. We don't ever do them in the styles I work with now, so I like to hear about how to do them. They can be very useful.

There's more to UFC fighting than just taking a beating. While it might look unpolished there is skill within the scope of what goes on in the octagon/ring. I would have to agree with HG here. Not everything is going to look pretty in the ring, or on the street, for that matter, because of the ever-changing environment. It is constant adaptation and evaluation in response to what the opponent does.

Cool. So, how did you come out??