username8517

You can also get weighted gloves that only way a pound or two and go through your normal punching exercises. By adding the additional weight you'll be putting more strein on your muscles, slowly building them up. Then when you punch without them you'll be able to move a bit faster. Here's an example of what I'm talking about: http://www.awma.com/index.cfm/action/productdetail/product_id/9767.htm

Yes it appears I misunderstood your previous post. I took it as you were taking up a stance of a passive manner in defense in a life-threatening situation. My apologizes for my misunderstandings. I think this clarifies things for me. The way I took this section was that you were insinuating that once a fight took place there was no way for a positive outcome (which in essence you were), but when it was followed up with the line about women defending themselves, it appeared (once again to me) that you were saying "hey it's okay if women need to use these things but men shouldn't." Basically that women needed more "assistance" in dealing with situations so it's okay for them to resort to more leathal strikes, but guys shouldn't because it's more macho to duke it out. I never said you did. I used the "getting stabbed as being manly" in reference to the above section where I misunderstood what I thought was double-standard. After this clarification I believe we are pretty much on the same wavelength in terms of self-defense on the street. Just a bit of misunderstanding on my part (once again sorry)

Granted, you should always try and defuse a situation non-violently, but sometimes there are times when this cannot be done. In a street fight, you never know what is going to happen. You don't know if you're assailant is brandishing a hidden weapon, high on drugs, has buddies hiding in the shadows waiting to jump in, or any other of the millions of variables. We teach our students to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible then notify the authorities. If that means striking the throat, taking a knee out, or gouging an eye, then by all means do it, if it means you'll live to see another day. Now that being said, we also teach our students to distinguish between the neighborhood bully who just wants to punch you a couple times and the stranger who approaches you near a dark alley holding a pipe. The bottom line is, during a streetfight we will never know what is going through the heads of both the assailant and the victim. What I may call unreasonable for a situation might not be so to the person getting mugged. Perhaps they genuinely feared for their life. But I'd rather hear about one of my students tell me about how they successfully defended themselves than read in the paper about how they're in the hospital from a mugging gone bad. I have to ask, why the double standard? What makes it okay for a woman being assaulted to strike their opponent until the end versus some guy who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time? In the end, both are being assaulted and could very well be fighting for their life. Why give one gender the pass to utilize leathal techniques if needed and not the other. There's nothing "manly" about getting stabbed and ending up in the hospital (if you're that lucky).

I cannot argue this at all and I apologize if I came across saying it was the wrong thing to do. I was merely trying to drive the point across that everyone who takes up martial arts should throughly invest time into researching both what they want out of it and what locals training facilities have to offer. Whether it is McDojo-ish or not, I cannot say, as I have not had any first hand experience with GKR. This is why I used my analogy of a car dealer knocking on your door. Purchasing a car is something you know you're only going to utilize on average for the next 10 years, while MA is something you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Surely you wouldn't buy a car without research. Martial arts should be the same way. That is what I was the point I was trying to get at. Yes--to an extent. You should strive for the control to hit your opponent without causing damage. Controling to the point of pulling away before contact will hardwire your brain into subconsciously pulling back on every attack. I know through first hand experience how difficult this can be to break. On top of that, when you spar, do you utilize any safety gear? I'm assuming you utilize some sort of hand protection, but what about head gear or other forms of padding? Best advice any martial artist can have. For me (and probably a good number of people who train) martial arts is not about training to run away from fights, it's for when you can't run away. This is an open forum and we're all human. We all have different beliefs, philosophies, experiences, and so on. So don't be afraid to give an opinion and state why you feel that way. Not only have I learned from those I've study under, but I've also been taught by those I teach. Just because you're new to martial arts doesn't mean you do not have anything useful to offer.

Traditionally your belt should have your name on one end and your system on the other. But there are other systems and schools that do otherwise.

Please bear in mind that I have never had any first hand experience with GKR as it is fairly unheard of here in the USA. All knowledge I have on GKR has been done through forums, websites, and personal conversations with other martial arts practioners. So hopefully this is going to be fairly unbiased (hopefully). The McDojo tag is often implied to schools that care more about getting your money and giving you a belt over teaching the proper way of martial arts. You are correct, Mr. Sullivan is in it to make money and he does have a business to run, much like other full time instructors, however, it is often his methods of running a business that tends to upset people. For example, as you mention in another section, you had someone approach your door selling you martial arts--did you research it any further than just speaking with the guy who's at your doorstep? Martial arts should be a life-long experience, not something you step into because someone's selling you something at your front door. You probably wouldn't buy a car just because the dealer knocked on your door would you? I'm not saying your choice for getting into MA is wrong or that you're in it for the wrong reasons, but merely trying to show one of the reasons I have heard it labeled a McDojo. But in the end, it all comes down to what you want to get out of it and if you're getting your needs fulfilled. Like I said before, it's all about what you want out of it. To me, a martial art, regardless of the art, should give you something in return (confidence, respect, discipline, etc) aside from the ability to fight. However, it should also prepare you should you ever have to fight. When I first started karate, the dojo I started in was a sports based dojo. Our sparring consisted of no head contact, controlled body shots, and nothing below the waist. When I left that dojo to pursue other arts, I found myself still performing those same restrictions in contact sparring and drills. It took me a long while to break those bad habit and learn how to hit with control. Think of it this way, if tomorrow you're walking down the street and someone tries to mug you, would you rather "knock the living daylights out" and be over with it or rely on your no-contact training, hoping that you get in that lucky shot when all that adrenaline is pumping through your system? Once again, this is something that you wanted to get out of martial arts and it fits your requirements so I cannot dispute this at all. However, I would like to mention that there are plenty of martial arts facilities that do have contact in them that will not leave you all bloodied and bruised. In the end, as I have mentioned before, it all comes down to what you want out of a martial art. What I would recommend is writing down a list of what you want to get out of martial arts and (most importantly) why. Then see how GKR stacks up for you. For those things that GKR doesn't provide, perhaps you should speak with your instructor as to his/her thoughts and opinions about it. If it's a good fit for you, then stay with it. If not, you might want to start looking elsewhere

Very good information listed here. I would also recommend that you work on your speed if you feel your strength is lacking. Remember, I can take a large rock and throw it at you. If it hits you, yeah it will probably hurt a lot. But I could take something much smaller and lighter--like a bullet--and project it at a couple hundred feet per second and do much more damage.

A chain can be a highly effective weapon is used properly. Granted the image it has is mainly due to the entertainment industry, but do some research on flexible weapons. Here are a couple links to some chain action: http://youtube.com/watch?v=mnSMGBWO8N4 I tried to find some videos of flexible weapons being used in application but came up with nothing. If you don't mind a little reading, check out "Flexible Weapons" by John Sanchez.

This is a game we do for our children. We have a giant excercise/yoga ball in the room and use it to play tag. Whomever gets hit with the ball is then "it." The key is that only the person who is "it" is aloud to run around the dojo--the rest have to walk. However, if the ball is thrown at you, you can use a technique such as a reverse punch, chest block, side kick, etc., and deflect it away without being out. For students who are up a couple of ranks we require them to say the move in japanese as they execute it or they are considered out as well.

Aside from hearing, your ears allow you to detect direction of noises. When you encounter sound waves, it will hit both ears. However there will be a mere fraction of a second difference in time it takes the sound to hit both your ear drums. Your brain registers this difference and uses it to get a good general direction of the sounds location. Best of luck with your situation and like lordtariel stated, your body can learn to adapt over time.

I will, as I have before, conceeded that boxing and wrestling are just as viable avenues for defense as karate, kung-fu, . However, by my definition of what I believe a martial art is, the need to have a set of philosophies a beliefs behind them is the core of what makes it an art rather than a fighting style. An art, to me, is something that you not only have to master, but it shapes you ever so slightly. I'm not saying you need to develop the culture of the style you study, but one should take away something more than just learning how to fight. I consider army training a martial art. Not only do they teach new recruits fighting skills, but also the core values of what it means to be in the Marines, SEALS, and other branches. One example that I think everyone has heard is to never leave a fallen man behind. In the end the members of our elite fighting forces take away more than just fighting skills. So long story short, show me a boxing gym that has a set of philosophies and beliefs and I'll call it a martial art. Show me a karate dojo that doesn't have anything behind it and I'll call it a fighting style. The point is, regardless of how you define a martial art, there will always be exceptions to the rule.

Hello and Welcome

We all go through this phase at one point where you just feel like you're going through the motions of it all. Just hang with it and eventually you'll pull yourself through. Now in regards to the "can't be bothered" attitude--I would say don't worry about it too much. We all have our off day(s). As an instructor I've had days where I begin doing one kata and then halfway through switch midstream to another and not noticed. We've all had days were we had a bad day at work/school/home, wherever and then have to head to class. Basically when our mind is not where it should be, we can easily get confused or just run through the motions with general apathy. Remember, we're all human. We're all going to make mistakes. It's just part of life. I will say I don't agree with the statement your sensei made about not being able to correct lower ranks when you're screwing up. It's not like you've always made those mistakes. Otherwise you wouldn't be where you're at now. It's always possible your sensei was having an off day and took it out on you with criticism and harsh words. My advice would be take next week off. Don't worry about martial arts. Just relax and recharge your batteries. Talk to you instructor before hand. Let him know how you feel and why you're going to take a short break. Oh, and in closing, don't worry about your black belt test. It's a ways off and odds are your sensei won't let you test if he/she doesn't think you'll pass.

Just out of curiousity, what kind of problems is she generating? You mentioned she's a bit of a talker, but are there other problems? For example, is she apathetic? Rebellious? None or all of the above? Does she appear to have the most problems in between drills or throughout the whole class? As lordtariel mentioned, it will take a while for an adult to break a habit. But at least she recognizes it was a problem a head of time and informed you about it.

yes, they would have. 1. as stated earlier, the forms are now pretty much extinct. 2. muay thai was created to GET AWAY from traditional stuff - many of the techniques were too hard to pull off in fights and were considered useless. Not really sure if we're in a disagreement here or not. Any style contains many techniques that will be hard to pull of in a fight. The reason I brought up Muay Thai was because the original topics was about a quote saying that drills had to be derived from forms. I used Muay Thai as an example to illustrate how the sport aspect is different from the traditional aspect, but yet how the sport aspect would not be what it is (i.e.--contain the moves it does and they way their executed) without the tradition of such styles as Krabi Krabong and other Thai arts. However, having never studied Muay Thai, I must admit my knowledge is limited to documentaries and information found in books. if you would please be kind enough to share with me why you think Muay Thai would be what it is today without the basis of the traditional Thai arts, from a first hand experience, I would like to hear your viewpoint and take it into consideration. the same way it's been going. I was fascinated about muay thai back in 1986 when I first heard of it. it's always had it's popularity, just moreso now, because of mma. boxing is one of the most popluar sports in the US and has been for centuries. I completely agree here. To me, the key word is sport--not martial art (which I'll address later on). Take boxing for example--as you mention it has been one of the most popular and influencial sports in the US for quite some time. But if you were to take a poll I'm willing to bet the vast majority of people would view it as either a fighting style or sport over a martial art. I believe Muay Thai is heading in the same boat; where people will forget of the martial art heritage of it. the problem is that you likely didn't find real krav maga. today, you can become certified to teach it in little of no time. it's largely a McSchool. I must admit I have never taken myself to a Krav Maga school and most of my knowledge of it consists of online research and reading books on their fighting style. The core book I purchased and was referencing in a previous post was "Krav Maga: How to Defend Yourself Against Armed Assault" by Imi Sde-Or (the founder of Krav Maga) and Eyal Yanilov. Between reading and analyzing this book as well as skimming a few other Krav Maga books, I believe that they have some of the principles right, but their applications are limited in practical against a skilled opponent. that's irrelevant. the ferrari came from the model t. Which is superior? they are two totally different cars. a sport ma and somethng traditional it may have stemmed from are two totally different styles. I really don't see how it's irrelevant. Perhaps I was unclear in my earlier post. While I agree that traditional and sport martial arts are two different things, this quote was taken from a section about reality-based martial arts. What I was trying to convey is my disappointment towards those in the RBSD world who spend half their life studying traditional martial arts, tout all their ranks on their websites and flyers, and then turn around and say that traditional martial arts is a joke and only their system can protect you. Now don't get me wrong, there are some legitimate and valid RBSD programs out there. But a few bad apples ruins the basket right? I don't know, I guess it's a pet peeve of mine. what is your definition of art? mine is expression through fighting, not kata. consequently, kata will never mean much to me, although I will always pursue MA, as I have for the past 22 years. Perhaps I should have phrased this better as it was once again directed at reality based self-defense bandwagon jumpers, and not nearly so much as those in "sport martial arts." Perhaps I was too broad with that stroke of the brush. However I know quite a few people in sport martial arts who dropped out of traditional ma because they didn't want to dedicate the time to the art aspect of it (i.e.--kata, bunkai, etc.). But rather, was merely looking for sparring every class. As I have said before, to each their own. Now to answer your question, here is my definition of what constitutes a martial art (please notice I never once mention kata): And as both you and Adonis wrote: & These are three different viewpoints on what constitutes martial arts by three different people. And I'm sure if we ask three dozen more people you'll probably get three dozen different answers. The point is' date=' that we all view martial arts as something different. What may work for me, might not work for you and vice versa. Like martial arts and fighting styles themselves, everyone will need to learn what works for them, both physically and mentally, and what does not. Once again, you can't define another person's perception of art. Please know that the answer I am about to give is not intended to flame or disrespect anyone. I am merely trying to show where I draw my conclusion from. You're absolutely right. I cannot define someone else's perception of an art, but I can make assumptions and decisions based on my perception of what an art is. As I've stated, to me there is a line between what I consider an art versus a fighting style. To me reality based self-defense styles are not a martial art, so when RBSD are brought up in comparison to traditional martial arts, someone is effectively comparing apples to oranges to me. In hindsight, perhaps I should have worded the last sentence there to something more along the lines of "From my viewpoint. . ."

Well after playing around with a few defense scenarios to this. Obviously you're in a bad situation, but here are a few of the better ones I tooled around with. 1). Take your right hand, shoot it back palm down, grab the hand holding the knife (the thumb being preferable), and shoot it back out to the side. This basically becomes a test of strength that should hopefully distract your opponent for a couple seconds and make him momentarily forget about the arm around your throat for a couple seconds while you quickly figure out what to do from there. I'm personally not really big on this one, but it did catch my partner off guard who knew I was going to do something. 2). Imagine your body is on a pivot straight down the middle. Quickly turn your body to the left (towards your assaulter's inside) while using your left arm to deflect the knife to the side. This should effectively put you in a CQC situation with your assailant grabbing your right side with their left arm and their knife likely coming in to your left side in a thrusting manner. Neither way is a great defense, but at least it's something.

Hello and welcome

If they deliberately go out and practice these sloppy moves then they deserve what they get. It's no different than people who watch Bruce Lee/Jet Li/Whoever, go out imitating the moves they just say in a movie, and end up getting hurt. I'm sorry for sounding crass but I have no sympathy for stupidity. However, if it's just memory taking over in the heat of the battle, do you really think they would be better off than if they had they never seen the video? To the untrained everyday joe on the street, watching this video, or the best video in the world for that matter, is probably not going to do a lick of good for two reasons: 1) Odds are they won't remain calm and focused in a real situation, and 2). They're probably never going to practice the moves displayed--the odds of retaining those moves will greatly diminish over time. And to the trained eye, we all know what crap this video is.

I don't want to take your term of culturally cleansing the wrong way; so could you please go into a bit more explaination as to what you mean? Thanks. Couldn't agree with you more. If you want to, sure. Me, personally I don't and I won't. Football is a sport. Those same things learned could easily be applied to other sports--boxing, soccer, MMA, lacrosse, curling, etc. Okay, so that last one might be a bit of a stretch, but I think you get my point. If you call football a martial art, where do you draw the line? Would shuffleboard be a martial art? Archery? Diving? NASCAR? What then becomes your determining factor what is a martial art and not? As I stated before, to me a martial art has to have a certain set of philosophy or beliefs (as well as a culture) behind it to call it a martial art. What would be the philosophies of football? Does football have a culture? In my last post I stated that martial arts should teach the culture and mindset behind them. Looking back, I can see where I didn't clarify it enough. Yes you should be taught the culture and mindset of the respective martial arts, but that doesn't mean you have to adopt them. In my opinion, it's the whole "If you don't know the history you're bound to repeat it" saying. Know what it means to be a martial artist. Know of the blood, sweat, and tears, those before you paid so you may pay them now. Know why the martial art was formed. Know why it utilizes the tools it does. Know when the appropriate time is to utilize your skills and abilities. I did not mean to imply that you should blindly give in to the ways of the old and adopt their culture. As am I

You know, it just dawned on me Maybe the girl in this video was not out to actually make a self-defense video, but rather make an audition tape for whenever MTV feels the need to bring back "Final Fu"

Odd, I had the same feeling too. I agree that things like this might attract females to self-defense but the attacks and defense were pretty unrealistic. But if it gets some people interested in MA, then I guess it can't be all that bad.

Well due to a sick child it looks like I won't be attending the workout tonight. I'll have to wait and try a few ideas I have running in my head out on Monday night. However, bushido_man96 is right about giving them whatever they want. Realistically when someone confronts you with a weapon their either trying to kill you or intimidate you into giving up from the very start. If they succeed in wrapping one arm around your neck and the other holding a knife (or any other kind of weapon) to your back, then they're probably not aiming to kill you. If they were aiming to seriously damage or kill you, they would be able to get in a good couple of stabs before your brain even fully registered what was going on.

Let me play with this scenario a bit tomorrow during work out and get back to you.

Rick_72 nailed it--when students reach the level of black belt they are expected to teach lower ranks. Obviously this is done during normal class time. This often takes away from their training time, which they have to suppliment elsewhere. Remember, just because you don't see someone busting their butt in the dojo, doesn't mean they're not doing it else where (that goes for all belts, not just black).

Yeah, I would say we definately differ on this aspect of it. To me, martial arts are about more than simply learning to defend one's self. Martial arts has a sense of culture and tradition behind it where fighting styles often only have tradition. I guess to sum it up, I would say that martial arts have budo (way of the warrior) behind them. While I'm not arguing MMA, boxers, wrestlers, and other practioners of fighting styles are not warriors in their own rights, there are differences. For example, just about every karate system has some form of the belief that "there is no first attack in karate." How many boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, or wrestling schools have you seen where they tout that as a philosophy? Ancient Samurai, as one example, were only only versed in the arts of battle, but also strived to master the arts of life, such as poetry and origami. And I guess that's what I'm getting at, to me martial arts has a philophsy or set of beliefs behind them, where you learn the culture and mindset of what it means to be in that system. With fighting styles, students often go to train solely for the reason to learn how to fight. They're not there learning about how to avoid conflicts, the linage behind their system, etc.; they're there to learn how to pass guard, how to throw a proper hook, how to effectively bob and weave, and so on. To me, that is the difference. Yeah, for the most part, I think you are right, we are on the same wavelength, to an extent. I hope I am not offending in any way, as that is not my goal. No worries. I haven't been offended by anything you've said and I hope I haven't offended you (or anyone in that manner) for stating my beliefs and opinions. No worries, I know I can come off as gruff or crass as well when I don't mean to.