John G

Thankyou everyone for your comments, suggestions and links. I'll get cracking on some serious research..

That is one side of the story; there are many players all with their own agendas. My advice to anyone who studies ITF Taekwon-do is to enjoy your/our martial art and not get to mixed up in the politics.

Go to http://www.itf-information.com/board/index.cfm?ac=lpo&topicid=5 you will find all the answers there...

Welcome..

Can anyone point me in the right direction with regard to reference material on vital / pressure point striking. With so many books, videos etc.. on the market, I cant tell what's good and what's rubbish.

Think of it like driving a car/automobile for the first time, you are more concerned about the mechanics (foot of brake, look in rear vision mirror, indicate etc.) and getting the thing to move forward without damaging anything, than what's happening around you. After several years of driving you become more aware of your surroundings and react readily to emergency situations (people learning to drive) without thinking about the mechanics. Over simplified example of mushin I know, but that's how someone explained it to me a few years back. How do you achieve it, practice, practice, practice...

Monkeygirl, have you tried using an hourglass? (J/K)

Shaolin, It's the contradiction in applications that I need to learn about and be aware of, that's why I study WC and TKD. All to often we fall into the trap of thinking that our martial art is the be all and end all and end up on our butt when someone throws something at us that we weren't prepared for. There are occasions where I would use applications and theory from WC or TKD to catch my opponents off guard from both disciplines. In my mind both systems compliment each other when put together. My Sifu (WC instructor) enjoys the challenge of TKD techniques being applied against him and my Sa-hyon (TKD master) has recently started to introduce a lot of WC theory into the TKD classes (I think he may have studied some form of Chinese martial art before). Both these gentleman don't mind using me as the guinea pig when it comes to demonstrating a particular counter measure technique (Ouch). And both have no problems with me cross training as long as I don't try to convert students to join the other side. Shaolin, I would like to know what form of WC do you study, as it indeed sounds interesting and dynamic. As you would probably appreciate the term Wing Chun (and Taekwon-Do for that matter) is somewhat generic these days, if you could please tell me/us a little bit more about your club (history, whereabouts etc.) it would be appreciated. Do you know if there are any in Western Australia / Australia?

Hello Wado Guy, welcome aboard..

I got a Jubilantly Outstanding Heart who Nurtures, that about sums me up except they left out ruggedly good looking, kind to pets, trustworth... Oh and my most endearing attribute; modest.

Welcome aboard..

Welcome ShotoAnn Stick with it and enjoy..

Don't feel bad about it; you'll get your chance to change the world. "A man who can control himself is truly stronger than a man who can control others, and a man who knows himself is truly wise." Lao Tzu...

Hey people, nothings for nothing. If you want to drive around in cars, have electricity and water on demand. Use the Internet to communicate, live in societies free of famine and plague something has to give. You are either on the side of the oppressors or you are the oppressed. If a country appears to have the capability to take what you have away from you, you stop them, if a country has something you need, you take from them. This is the way its been for tens of thousands of years, if my guns bigger that your gun you loose. The simple fact is that man is greedy. I remember as an adolescent the hippy movement, where we were all going to build a better world and live in peace. The students back then who had such high ideals are now the men and women who control our nations, what happened to their ideals? In the next 10 to 15 years it will be my generations turn to call the shots. I'm betting like the generation before we too will fail in creating a world where ALL men and women are equal regardless of race religion or ideology. I am under no illusion about the price of my freedom, my excess, and my greed. I know some poor sod is out there working their fingers to the bone making my dobok, designer jeans, shoes and shirts for nothing more than a bag of rice to feed their family. I also know that many of the third world countries were once mighty and powerful nations, until someone with a bigger gun came along and took it from them. Its strange how history has proven time and again that eventually the oppressors become the oppressed. Is what's happening in the world today right? No it's terribly wrong. The choice is yours; change the world so every one gets a fair go (and hope that someone with a bigger gun doesn't step in), or be prepared to kill maim and destroy others so you / we can enjoy our freedoms and lifestyles.

Welcome to the forum shabz..

Jarjo Haman Tte Mini of Panadol

Dammn... !! I nearly ended up in ICU again . Can't wait to send that one through too a few of my friends...

Lying in ICU (intensive care unit) for several days at age 37 connected to a machine that goes Ping, lead me to think that there was more to life than being overweight, overworked, stressed out and unfit. Taking up martial arts has helped me to deal with stress, loose weight (20Kg) and set personal achievable goals. I'm fitter, healthier and feel great.

Welcome Red J

Wow, thanks kickchick. I just emailed that article to one of my instructors who's feeling a bit despondent about martial art in general. Great reality check.

Welcome

Dee, This was taken from an ITF forum written by a Mr. Billy Council "I was standing in line at the grocery store today and happened to look down. On the cover of "World Weekly New" tabloid it said world's youngest ninja. 9 month old black belt." Interesting....

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary Pronunciation: 'gE-z&r Function: noun Etymology: probably alteration of Scots guiser (one in disguise) Date: 1885 : a queer, odd, or eccentric person -- used especially of elderly men I'm getting there....

Welcome benedictbm...

Welcome to the forums Seth....