bushido_man96

There are masters in the U.S., Europe, and Australia that I know of for sure. I would love to learn from one of them, because the fighting I do with my friends once a week lacks some structure. I would love to learn arnis. I am very intrigued by the Phillipene arts.

I have had and used the foam covered ones, and they are very forgiving!

No problem.

Try looking into some of Iain Abernethy's literature. He has been writing works on "Applied Karate," which includes something called kata-based sparring. It might give you what you are looking for.

This is an interesting outlook. I agree that the martial arts should be martial first, and art second. I think that fighting is indeed and artform in itself. I like this example of how two people can go through virtually the same training for years, and each one still matures into their own system. You can see these results in many different martial styles, but it great to point out.

He is very quick, and very smooth. Very nice to watch.

This is a very interesting point that you make here, and I think it does have some backing. There are so many organizational breakups that happen, and you wonder why, because these high ranks are supposed to be free of their egos, and such.

That is a good approach. However, I would maybe say that practitioners remain practitioners. But, I do agree that masters can still be students, but some don't see themselves that way. Same concept. No matter who you are, you should always be a student. There will always be someone who has advanced farther along the path than you have. Find that person and learn from them. If you can't learn, you can't teach. I agree, except for the fact that you need to find someone higher to learn from. I believe that as you progress, you learn to self-teach. You learn to research and also to discover things for yourself. I don't believe a mentor is required for you to learn more.I think that Bruce Lee would have agreed with you!

Hey, that's an original one, for once! I like it!

I have not heard of this being stated with this much severity. I have heard of things like this, but many times I have also heard they are bunk claims. I'm sure it depends on the area in which you live, but in any case, I don't think it is right.

Will do!

OK, then Excalibur!!

One comment I would make on blocking in TMA, in relation to sport sparring, and absorbing/evading in boxing: with most point sparring systems, if you try to absorb or evade techniques, you still get a point called on you, because they still score those shots. In TMA, you have to have a really good, solid, technique-stopping block to stop a point. Whereas in the street, if you just absorb/evade those blows, it will still take away some of the impact, and not tie up your limbs so you can counter. This is were boxing methods tend to have the advantage over TMA, in my opinion.

I agree with you here. One thing that I would say is similar to "fighting spirit," but not the same, would be what I call for lack of better terminology the "killer instinct." The ability to fight is trainable. However, the trait that some people have to just to go into a state of mind to totally ahnialate someone is totally different, and in my opinion, much harder to train. True. By definition, an "instinct" cannot be learned. That is just part of how a person is; you can develop your mind to have more of a "killer instinct" mentality, but it will take a great deal of time and you probably will never have the same core mental pattern as one who is born with that instinct. You can develop your mind, but you also need the physical experiences to fuel it. Just telling yourself that you are "bad" is not enough.

You guys must of had a visit from Chuck Norris?? How did you know? Oh, it was terriblly obvious! I can see a Chuck Norris joke coming like one of those unstoppable roundhouses. My last name is Walker, and I have studied TKD for 13 years. Just guess what my nickname is!!

Man, this, I don't do well. I think I have a "work ethic" problem. I hate missing work, because it makes me feel like I am not accomplishing anything, and I don't like to put a strain on my co-workers, who have to cover for me. I know they would do it, but I hate to put them in that position. As for missing out on training, I can do that, but I hate doing that as well. It makes me feel guilty. But, I don't want others avoiding me because I may get them sick, either. Good advise, Sohan!

I feel that the premises of leaning a martial art should be martial first, and art second. Now, I don't mean to put a high priority on fighting, because I don't. However, being able to defend oneself should be a direct outcome of martial arts training--from the beginning. Leadership type studies should be reserved for the higher ranked students who show interest in being an instructor or class assistant or coach. As for the testing fees you describe, I think they are reasonable, as long as the training matches the price you pay.

You guys must of had a visit from Chuck Norris??

I agree with you here. One thing that I would say is similar to "fighting spirit," but not the same, would be what I call for lack of better terminology the "killer instinct." The ability to fight is trainable. However, the trait that some people have to just to go into a state of mind to totally ahnialate someone is totally different, and in my opinion, much harder to train.

This really depends more on the instructor's personal philosophies, as opposed to the standards of the art itself. It just depends if you get the strictly business type of instructor, or the one who is sociable, or one who is just downright friendly to everyone, and is everyone's friend.

In order to cut down on school violence, I think that more schools should have full time Resource Officers (Police Officers) on duty. My home town has two high schools, and several primary and middle schools, and two officers is not enough, in my opinion.

If you keep looking, you should find a good school somewhere. ITF school are fairly popular, so I would think you could find something. I have paid testing fees similar to $60, and I don't think that is too bad. What you do have hold of is the training...you want it to be good. Try to do an internet search in the area, and see what you can come up with. One question I have is how long do you want the classes to last? I agree that 45 minutes is not enough, unless they are really cranking in that time span. I hope that you can find what you are looking for.

I'd be leary of any master that didn't still consider themself a student. If your no longer learning anything, then your journey is over. I agree. I don't see how I could ever stop learning anything new about MA, or myself!

It sometimes seems that way.

Welcome to the forums, Syphax!