bushido_man96

Welcome to KF, AndyKS! Just curious, but does the KS mean that you are from Kansas?

Of course. Our intructor tells us what each movment is for as we learn our new forms. I've never been to a school that doesn't, however I am sad to find out that the world is very abundant in schools that don't teach you the application of the movements in your forms, self defence techniques and whatnot. Do you actually do any partner drills with the forms applications?

You may also try keeping a dryer sheet in your bag with your gear. It kind of helps to keep them fresh.

I can see some of your points, DancingSteve, but I still think that the heel down application is that important. You mention that a lot of kicks score points.....well, they would, because you won't get docked for your heel being up, because it is likely going to be planted as your base leg. My tournaments are body displacement....meaning you have to move someone with a technique to get a point. This can still be done with the heels up off the ground, it is just a different set of mechanics.

Congrats!

Pancrase is a tournament that showcased popular catch wrestlers in Japan. Pancrase is a ruleset (strikes on the feet, no closed fist attacks to the head, 10 second knockdowns, no punching on the ground) whereas catch wrestling is a style. I see. Thanks for the clarifications!

Thank you, ps1. That clarifies things a little. I have Kano's book on Kodokan Judo, and from what I remember, most of the takedowns were from the standing position, and done by breaking the balance of the opponent. However, it has been a while since I looked at it.

A few weeks ago I went out to range day for the Sheriff's Deptartment that I work for. The deputies carry Glock .40s, so that is what I shot. We did different shooting scenarios, and it was a blast. We fired at targets from behind obstacles, did some moving around, and also did a stand off situation with a baddy holding a gun, but not aiming it at you. When they told us to start yelling commands to "drop the gun," I noticed a little bit of excitement and adrenaline start running. It was enjoyable, and I shot pretty decent for my second time out.

I have made homeade chucks, but it was as a kid, and they were bad. It isn't hard to learn how to twirl them around, but learning applications with them is a little tougher.

I think that every object has a way of being thrown, and you can't assume that throwing a baseball is the same as throwing a knife. You are looking for different results in each, so the wrist movement will not be the same. I tried an axe throw at a RenFest one time, and I thought it was pretty cool. The guy at the booth explained to me that you had to keep the wrist locked upon release, otherwise the axe would head towards the ground, instead of travelling straight. I would never have assumed that, had I not had the opportunity to try it. One way to learn is through experimentation. Get a few different objects, and practice with each to figure out how to throw them best. It isn't absurd to assume that someone could teach themselves to throw a knife, especially if they become accustomed to one certain weapon.

Boy, do I envy you. That would be an awesome experience. Have fun with it!

Didn't Jet Li get started over here with Lethal Weapon 4?

Make sure that you have the grain of the boards running the proper way for each technique. For the palm strike, I run them horizontally, and strike towards the top 1/3 of the board, so as not to smash my fingers. For the back elbow strike, if it is a horizontal strike, run the grain that way; if vertical, run it vertically. And for the jump reverse kick (I am guessing this is a side kick) run the grain horizontally again. Make sure that the holders get into good front stances, with their inside legs crossed and to the back. They should cross either their top or bottom sets of hands, and lock their elbows, securing the boards and themselves. They should also look away up impact, to protect their eyes. For the side kick, if I am a holder, I prefer to cross the arms at the top of the board, that way the boards don't go flying away, or into my face. One more thing: make sure the holders get a lot of palm on the backside of the boards and just enough finger on the front to hold them in place. It gives you more surface area, and less chance to kick their fingers. One thing to consider for the holders' sake: don't take too long to get going. Set the boards up, then maybe rehearse your move once or twice at each, and then go. At our testings, there are some people who will set up for a side kick, and then practice, and practice, and practice, and practice a slow set-up kick over and over before finally attempting to break. This makes the holders' tire more quickly, and the faster they tire, the worse off they will be for holding your boards. The sooner you can break, the better. Best of luck to you at the tournament!

Either that, or wear suspenders!

Quote: elbows_and_knees: having grappling in a few forms and actually training it are different things. The grappling I have run across in CMA has been vastly inferior to what I've learned in judo and bjj, but rightfully so, as cma isn't a grappling style. On the same token, judo striking is inferior to cma striking. And I'm not talking about shuai chiao and chin na. That is indeed in most major systems in some aspect. I am referring to ground grappling. not ground fighting, which is different. I like the point that is made here, as it is very relevant to the reason that so many martial artists cross train today. I do have a goofy question for you, however: what would you consider the major difference between ground grappling and ground fighting? Is it the intent? Is it the rules of sport? Just want a little clarity here, is all. Thanks.

I agree completely. Kata is my favorite part of Karate practice. As well as Bunkai, and free sparring. I feel that all of these aspects of training offer equally important lessons in training.

Very good info, TriangleMan. Thank you. I had thought that Ken Shamrock practiced "Pancrase." Or is this the same as catch? A newer renditition of pankration?

I see. That is a nice schedule and setup. Does your school also train the applications of the forms?

I see what you are saying, but I don't think you have to have your heels planted for a technique to be sound. When I get in close and crowd my opponent, I throw lots of hooking and uppercutting punches into their body. While executing these punches, I am twisting my hips and shoulders into the punches, while pushing off of the balls of my feet, which will raise the heels off the ground. These punches still have power, which is generated from the body and hips. If you want to score based on technique, ie, heels down, etc., then that is the place for forms competition, in my opinion. In sparring, and fighting, technique is going to alter some, and things are not going to remain that static.

Kata is great for working basics and techniques. However, to really get to the meat of it, you need to break down and practice sections with partners to apply it. Forms practice and partner practice with applications should go hand in hand.

It is hard to replace what you learn in these situations.

Every one claims that reaching black belt is only the beginning, and that it means you have grasped the basics. If this is the case, then why should it take so long to become a beginner?

I'm a little embarrassed to say it, but that's why I stopped. People saying things like that is what made me go back. That is good, though; at least you went back.

On the back, you could have the patch blown up, to be bigger, and you could easily read the name of the school. Then on the left chest, just put your name.