bushido_man96

I think that it is important to remember that the martial arts had to be originally learned through trial and error. This is one of the best ways to learn things; through your own experiences. I am not discounting instructors in any way, and I feel the same as most others about seeking out qualified instruction. However, there are other ways to learn; they may not be the shortest path, but it is still a path. I know of a few organizations and individuals who are reconstructing Medieval fighting systems from original manuscripts. It is a long process, but I'll bet it is fun and educating. We are always so used to tradition, and tradition says we should learn from an instructor, and always have someone who is high rank above us. Tradition is ok; just don't let it lead to stagnation.

If you show the exact same respect to your instructor that you show to "any other person" then you should probably reevaluate your outlook on your instructor and his/her rank. When you properly address your instructor, you are honoring the art that you study as well. I agree with this...... inside the dojo. I on the other hand, disagree. Respect should be given to your instructors at all times. Titles such as Sensei, Sifu, Professor, etc, whatever title(s) your instructor has earned. It's much similar to college professors - you don't approach them and address them as Mr. Johnson, you would address them as Professor Johnson. Addressing your instuctor by their rank is tradition. You wouldn't see old school karateka bumping into their sensei in a social setting and address them as Mr. so-and-so. Not unless that karateka would like a severe lesson in disciple and respect next class (if not on the spot). This is why we always bow in and out of the dojo and to our instructors. It's a sign of respect. When I call my sensei on the phone I only address him as sensei. When I run into him at the grocery store (it's happened a few times), I immediately stop, bow, and address him as sensei. I'm paying respect for his accomplishments and thanking him for allowing me to study under him. To do less is not how I was brought up in the MA world. There are times when these things won't really apply. Here is a scenario: I work at the Jail here in Ellis County. Lets say that something bad happened, and my instructor came to jail. I will not be calling my instructor "sir" or "Master so and so" while he is behind bars. Not with the way things work in an environment like that.

This is how I prefer to do it.

Don't you have to test in, or something like that? I remember seeing writing requirements for certain ranks, etc., as well.

Wow, so much can change in a week. The Chiefs play an old AFC West rival this week in the Seattle Seahawks, but we may have to do it with our 3rd string, rookie Quarterback!! Now, I am not going to sell the game out as a loss already, because I have more faith than that. Although Damon Huard has not put up fantastic numbers over the last 5 weeks, he has done a great job of managing games, and has had a passer rating of over 100 throughout his starts. If he cannot go, I anticipate a heavy dose of Larry Johnson right, Larry Johnson left, and Larry Johnson up the middle, as I am sure coach Edwards is going to want to protect rookie Brodie Croyle as much as possible. The defense has shown that it can play well, and with Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander out of the lineup for Seattle, things bode well for the rookie starter. However, Damon Huard will be a gametime decision.

Very good point, glockmiester.

It reflects the number of posts you have.

Thanks for the corrections. I never can tell when those fights aired. It was a good fight, though.

Welcome aboard, Peter!!

I have not seen Unleashed yet, but I want to. My favorite MA star right now is Jason Statham. I do like Snipes as well, but I don't think he will be making any movies any time soon.

If you want to place blame, it is important to get both stories, in order to figure out who is at fault. If you just want to berate them both, that is fine, too. It is hard to tell, because these things escalate easily. The brown belt could have been trying to get a point, so he accidently takes a technique up a notch, and makes contact. So, now, the black belt thinks the contact level has been escalated a little, so he takes it up a notch. From there, the brown belt thinks he is getting roughed up just because he scored, so he takes it up a notch, and it builds from there. In my opinion, it is really no big deal, and it usually settles itself. Actually, it shows some gumption from the two, and can have some positive outcomes.

I really like my current form, Gae Baek. For colored belt ranks, I like Yul Gok.

What the heck was that all about Menjo? Very Hollywood McDojoish... - Killer - Hey, it was kind of entertaining. Not much different than what Ernie Reyes puts out any more. You just have to keep in mind, its a demo! It is supposed to be like that.

Hey, Kez, sorry I have been away. One thing my wife did suggest was to ask constantly, to see if he needs to go. If you keep asking, he should answer yes eventually. She also seconded the positive reinforcement as well.

Yes they do! I am not much of a hockey fan, but I keep up on anything that scrolls across the SportsCenter board, so I have been up to date on their accomplishments.

That is a great way to locate schools. When I stay out of town, I like checking the yellow pages to see what kind of styles are available.

I feel that boxing is a very viable form of self-defense and has a lot to offer it's practitioners. There are many subtle things that go inside the boxing ring that those that don't practice it can't see. They aren't just trading blows, waiting for the other to tire out. They are moving, slipping, and trying to minimize the damaget that they take from the blows. Fighting doesn't really always work out to "block and counter."

This is a very good point. You don't want to get to excited with your first match, and then not have anything left in the tank for the rest of them. And when the nerves kick in, you can tire out really early.

Personally, I would probably not do it. However, it may work ok for you. Just be wary of things like this, and all of the conditions and circumstances that can arise from this medium of learning. If you have previous martial arts experience (I assume that you do), you will probably have an easier time of picking things up. Like you said, $20 a month isn't bad, so if the instruction is not what you hope, you don't lose much, and you can cut your losses. I hope it works out for you. Best of luck!

Welcome to KF, karateone!

Good luck to you! High school football is great.

I don't like peas, either.

Hey, that looks very inviting. Now, I just need to convince my wife to move to NYC!!

Oh, tough question. I like it!! I am old school, so I think Enter the Dragon is better than any of Jet Li's movies. However, I do like Jet Li's movies, and I will admit that I will watch many different Jet Li movies over and over, I don't enjoy very many of Bruce's others. As for the fight, I go Lee, all the way. He is not quite as acrobatic as Li, but he would get the job done, I think. Here's a counter question: If Bruce Lee were around today, making movies the way they can today, how good would he and his movies have been??

Going so-so. I have found that I can still do my weapons fighting with full force, and have had no injuries there yet. I don't kick, or do any long stretching manuevers, so I don't have any problems with the leg. The problem I do have is with my wrist, as I injured it on the punching bag several weeks ago, and if I roll my hand wrong working combinations with the sword, it screams at me, and I have to waller in pain for a while. Oh, well, patch me up, and send me in, coach!!