Shorinryu Sensei

What is the best martial art, and why? Well, this is an easy one...mine is of course! lol Stop and think about it...if I didn't think so, why would I be doing it? Oh sure, if that was all that was available to me...sure, I can see that, but I truly belive that what I am doing is the best for what I want out of a martial art. It's proven to be an effective, and realistic system for self-protection (and the protection of others I might add) that I have used a number of times over the years. Until somebody shows me something that I think is better, I'm a believer in it.

I think that if you are taking a system that you feel is inadequate or lacking in some way, then yes, after you have a good, solid foundation in that system...say brown belt or above, you should seek out another system to fill in the gaps that you think you have in your training. I know I'll get bashed for this a bit (please be gentle...I bruise easily ), but I feel there are some systems out there...and I'm talking the old, traditional systems (particularily the Okinawan systems, as they are the ones I am most familiar with), that are well rounded and teach good techniques for virtually any given situation. As some of you know, I have been in my particular system for quite some time, and have never cross trained in another system, nor felt the need to. I've yet to see another system that I feel is better, or more rounded than what I practice. Now, that isn't saying tht it doesn't have it's flaws. For example, if I was inclined to want to fight in the UFC or some other contest where there are 2 minute rounds, rules, gloves, etc..then yes, I'll be the first to admit that what I do wouldn't be very effective and I would want to train in something else. Also, if I wanted to become a great point fighter, I would no doubt want to seek out a system that was geared more towards that sort of training. Neither of these things is what my chosen system is designed to accomplish through its training. I have always taken martial arts for what it was intended for. To protect myself, my loved ones..or a total stranger if choose to, if and when the need arises. I feel that the system that I have chosen to practice for nearly 30 years now, is the most effective and efficient one for doing just that, that I have seen to date. Therefore, I have never seen the need to cross train with another system. I havent' seen even a fraction of all the martial arts available in the world, but the more that I have seen of other systems, the more I am convinced that the system I have chosen is right for me, and WORKS just fine!

Oh, abolsutely delta1! If someone wants the flash, and doesn't care about actually working in a real fight, then by all means, point them at any of a dozen dojos/dojangs in a half mile radius of any decent sized town. Again, not pointing fingers at any specific system, but God knows, there's no shortage of flashy schools out there. True, but the one thing that bothers me is that most sensei that I know, that are doing truly ineffective systems, really believe that what they are doing will work in a fight...and it just won't! Not unless the guy they're fighting stands still like a post and says "Hit me!" anyway. And the guy that walks in off the street..your typical person...what exposure does he/she have to the arts? TV abd movies..right? And what do we all see constantly on most TV shows and the movie screen? Flashy crap! Right? so, your average Joe Schmuck walks into a Gymnastic-do school, signs up because he wants to jump high, smash boards, whoop-a$$, and take on 25 people at once just like he saw in the movie last night. Riiiiiight! he just doesn't know any better..and the sensei wants his money, and will tell him "Ylou'vbe come to the right place Mr. Schmuch. We teach the ULTIMATE MARTIAL ART TAHT IS OVER 2,000 YEARS OLD AND WILL TEACH YOU TO DECIMATE YOUR OPPONENT!!!" *sigh*...OK, I admit it...I'm an old, foolish traditionalist when it comes to the arts. Maybe I need to start wearing a rainbow colored belt, declare myself a master and actually make some money off this stuff. but would I be able tio sleep at night? No, but I'd probably be RICH! lol But admit it delta1...don't you think that this guy is the exception, rather than the rule in that regard? I've sent people to other schools also that wanted to break boards and fly throughg the air. I will tell them right away that we don't do that sort of stuff (and why we don't), and send them somewhere else.

I agree with WW...however, in my opinion, the flash stuff is ruining the martial arts. I won't mention any systems by name (do I need to?), but several of the more prevelant "martial arts systems" that you'll find on nearly every street corner in America aren't what I personally would consider a viable "martial art" in the true sense of the word. They have become a sport, where flash is emphasised over effectiveness. The flashier the better. At one time, these systems were a viable "martial art" with strong LOW kicks and good hand techniques, and now (from what I've seen of them anyway, which is quite a bit) you have systems that are, IMHO, little more than a acrobatic, aerobic and gymnastic based systems for exercise. They are no longer what I consider a true "martial art" that can be used effectively in a street encounter. Sure, it's great exercise, but if you got into an aerobics class at your local health club instead, you'd at least have great looking women wearing tight, skimpy leotards instead of bulky, loose fitting gi to look at! Many systems are getting away from their true roots and practices because the American people like flashy things, so instructors, in an effort to keep enrollments up (and money in their pockets), incorporate "flash" into their training to make the people happy and keep them walking through their doors every week. IMHO, if you want to do all that flashy stuff...fine, but quit calling it "martial arts", because it isn't any more. How about Gymnastics-do instead? Isn't that what TaeBo is all about? And as long as I'm on a rant here,these same "Gymnastics-do" systems I'm referring to turn out black belts in as little as two years (sometimes less) that think they can handle themselves in a street confrontation because their sensei says they can, and they have some neat trophies that they won in "Our system only" tournaments, where again, flash is emphasised, encouraged and rewarded with trophies, promotions and pats on the head by their peers and instructors. How many of these people that any of us know (I personally know of several) that have gotten involved in a real fight on the street, and found that what they have learned is next to useless, and ended up getting their butts handed to them? An example of this is a young man I used to know named Brandon. About 12 years ago, Brandon was the top ranked adult heavyweight light contact sparring champion for the Northwestern United States. He was 18 years old at the time. On the last day of school during Brandon's senior year of high school, he got into a fight with another young man that had just 6 months of boxing experience. Brandon told me it was a fair fight, where the two met in an alley after school (along with a couple of dozen bystanders), squared of and started fighting. Brandon told me he got just one kick into the the guys stomach, but just "touched" him, and then the other guy closed on him and beat the crap out of him. Brandon quit his "Gymnastics-do", lost all interest in the arts, and as far as I know, has never pursued another art again. OK, I'm getting a bit wordy here...my apoligies, but basically, I feel incorporating flash techniques into a good system, ruins that system and makes it far less than it was. Eventuially, there will be very few true "martial arts" left in the world for people that want, or need to learn how to defend themselves as it was intended. Just my $.02 worth.

[quoteIi was not talking about stopping the whole class for one student. lets assume they are doing excersises and you watch and try to help everyone with their individual problems. that is what i was talking about. OK..simple solution is to ask a student next to them that you know is doing the technique/exercise properly to help them out. It takes just a second, doesn't disrupt the class (much) and allows you to continue watching, demonstrating, whatever...with little interuption to the class as a whole. You need to trust yoru students that they know what they're doing and are willing to help all that they can. The larger your class is, the more important this becomes. I've taught classes as large as around 75 people at one time by myself. You have to rely on others that know what they are doing to help those that don't, or are having problems.

As some of the members of this forum will attest to, I'm totally against "flashy" techniques just for flash sake...especially with the nunchauku. However, at the tournament you're talking about, I believe the flashier the better..correct? IMHO, I don't think the tonfa is your best choice for a flashy weapon, as there are only two ways that the tonfa can be held. The normal way is by the handle, and the fighting method (which a lot of people don't know about) is by the end of the weapon and using the "handle" part to block, trap and strike with. There are just a few ways that the tonfa can be "flipped", so my best advice would be to concentrate on proper execution and holding of the weapon and making as crisp and precise movements as possible. My $.02 worth.

The student that gets my attention the most in class is this beautiful young woman with the most incredibly beautiful set of big, round, full, gorgous...eyes. OK...just kidding, but I couldn't resist! Anyway, I teach just one class for all levels. Beginners are placed in the same class as advanced and my class right now has belts from beginning white belt to 2nd Dan black belt. If one (or more) students has problems with something, I will have one of my students (not necessarily my black belt) help them out as we continue the class. I don't like stopping class and making everyone sit and wait while I help out one person that is having problems, nor do I think it is necessary to do so. Trust in your other students. It helps them improve their own techniques while helping someone else with theirs.

I wear a Century heavyweight gi 9 months of the year, and a lighter, Century middle weight gi during the summer..usually with a t-shirt instead of the top. I bought 4 of them years ago at the same time...cost about $40 each then, not sure now. The only gear we use is for full contact kumite...Shoreido brand. I bought it years ago, but I believe it was around $500 then for a complete set for two people. OOPS..aready andswered this one. Uhhhh...try to hit them before they hit you?

I've never taken it myself, or even had the opportunity to see it, but I wanted to comment on the one hour classes. personally, I don't feel a one hour class is long enouygh to accomplish much. My classes are two hours lonbg, and I've tried to get my students to go for a 3 hour class like my origional sensei held, but most don't have the time or energy for it. How many days/week, and at what cost...if you don't mind me asking? Do they use contracts? Just my $.02 worth.

All good ideas so far, but if you think about it, he's been with you for 9 years...I think you've given the best gift you could give him all ready. His training. Personally, I wouldn't think "material gifts", as in a going away present. A good lunch with him where your kind words about how much you've enjoyed him as a student...yadda yadda...that sort of thing will mean more to him, and that he's welcome to come back and train again whenever he's home for a visit.

I don't know if this has been done before or not (to lazy to research it I guess), but with so many different systems represented on this forum, I thought it would be interesting to see if any of you had MARTIAL ARTS RELATED websites of your own, or of your system so that we could all learn more about you and what it is that you do. Myself, I don't have a personal website, but the association...small that it is...has one if you'd like to check it out. At the bottom (takes a while to load with dialup) there are pictures of myself with Sensei Yuichi Kuda taken in 1978 just days before he tested me for my shodan (I'm about 40lbs heavier now...solid muscle of course! ). I'm the really tall, skinney guy. And yes, that's my real name! lol Sucks, huh? As you can see, I'm just a wee bit taller than Sensei Kuda was, but believe me, he could wipe the floor with me without even working up a sweat! lol EDIT: DOH! *slapping my forehead* I forgot to put MY link down! ARGH! It's a bugger gettin' old people. I don't recommend it! http://www.geocities.com/rohai.geo/page.html I'm looking forward to checking out your websites people..so let's get cracking! [/b]

Yep..January will be the big 30! lol It's a long, sad story as to why I haven't progressed in rank, but I'm a 3rd Dan. I received my shodan from the head of the system in June of 1978, tested by a 6th Dan for my Nidan in January of 1987, and the head of the system again in September of 1990 for my Sandan. Travel is the problem, as there's nobody within 500 miles of me that I can train or test with. $$$'s is also a huge factor. Fortunately (and obviously?), I'm not in this for the rank. Good thing, huh? lol Remember, patience is a virtue...and boy, am I virtuous! lol

I have a slow dialup connection, so I just looked at the first downward strike (took about 10 minutes to download)....seems that at least SOMEBODY is finally doing good technique! lol Glad to see that.

You're obviously living on some other planet than I am bud. Yes, martial arts will work on the street just fine (that's what it's designed for you know), regardless of the system... if, like others have said, you have the proper training, motivation, attitude, preparation, etc for it. An example from my own personal experience. Every Wednesday night, I go to the local country bar for dance lessons and to dance. Last night, around 8:00, there was a brawl between a man in his mid-50's and his mid-20's son, and one of the regular patrons of the establishment. The older man started a fight with the regular patron and took a swing at him, then his son joined in so that it was 2 against one. The bouncer doesn't come on until 9:00, and since the owner is a friend of mine, I came up behind the father/son team and put the dad in a choke hold from behind for a few seconds so that he understood I could choke him out real quickly if I'd wanted to. He backed off and quit being aggressive. I then did the same thing to the kid (about 6' tall and muscular and real aggressive) I had to hold him until he basically didn't want to "play" any more. When you can't breathe, it sort of takes the fight out of you. Long story short, the father/son team got hauled off by the local sheriff and probably sat the night out in the Gray-Bar Hotel. I normally don't get involved in other peoples fights, but this was 2 against one, and the "team" started it. They aren't normal patrons of the place, and nobody else seemed concerned with getting involved in it or helping the regular patron against these two guys.

At my first class, I went to just watch my friend practice. The sensei told me that if I was interested enough to watch, I was interested enough to give it a try...and get in line! ACK! I wasn't at all prepared! So, in my first class I practiced in tight jeans and a flannel shirt (it was January in Montana and very COLD outside!). class was in the sensei's apartment living room (about 10'x12') and had arouind 8 people in it. The class went OK I guess, but I sweated like a pig all through it...and yes, I was nervous and very intimidated by the sensei. He was 6'4" cowboy fresh out of his tour in the Navy stationed in Okinawa. I woke up the next morning hurting like hell and finding I had muscles I never knew I had before in my legs. I skipped the next class, then went back the following week...andhave been practicing ever since. That was back in 1975.

I've never trained in TKD before (well, one class in the Army way back in 1972), but have had the opportunity to watch many TKD classes and teach numerous seminars in various TKD dojang's. I'm 6'6" (198cm) tall and see no reason a tall person couldn't train in TKD. Actually, with the prevalence TKD has towards high kicks, many don't allow groin kicking, and few or no takedowns, I would think being tall would be a definite advantage in TKD.

Of course, I have no idea what your sensei will be looking for from you, but at the level that you're at, this is what I look for from a student in every class, and during testings. Is the student relaxed? Is the student smooth? Is the student sure of what they are doing? (No hesitation) Is the transition from one movement to the other a nice flowing movement or jerky, mechanical movement? Is the student confident? Of course, all of the movements must be correct in form and function, but what I'm really looking for is the confidence that comes with lots of practice, the ease in which the students body moves from technique to technique, very good speed and power generated, etc. I've seen black belts in tournaments that don't posses these attributes and are jerky and mechanical in their movements. To me, they just don't get it and understand what kata are all about, and haven't reached that point mentally, and physically, where they have "it". Good luck with your test!

The disadvantage of really HUGE people, is that typically... 1. they are slow movers. Use this to yoru advantage, and as I said before...MOVE! 2. They use their size to their advantage. They often will want to grab you (keep moving to avoid this) and take you to the ground where their weight can (but not always) be an advantage. One advantage HUGE people have is that they typically can take more physical punishment that a smaller person. Larger bones, fat protection of the torso, bigger muscles, etc. Ryan gry...how about giving us an idea of how big you are, and just how big the other guy is in comparison. How long have you been in the arts, and what art are you in?

And yet, I still see martial arts instructors telling their students that it is possible to kill someone that way...just like in the movies. This, and other things they teach their students makes it very difficult for me to sit idly by while hearing this, without saying something. The same thing happens on thsi forum sometimes.

I've had this discussion with several medical doctors and a couple of chiropractors (they know the bones system better) on this subject, and every one of them saysthe same thing. it would work ONLY if the head was solidly locked down, as to be totally imobile,and then only if the object striking the nose penetrated very far into the nasal cavity. approximately 3-4" on an adult I guess. if you look at a skull, you will see that there is no direct passageway from the nasal cavity to the brain cavity. It is doubtful that the human hand is capable of generating enough power to do that sort of damage, assuming of course the head is immobile and doesn't nap back with the force of the blow. The foot...possibly, but again, the head would have to be immobile. Hollywood loves to do that technique in the movies, but it's just not possible unless the situation is just right.

I'm not disagreeing with you granmasterchen...however, there are few people, unless they train like constantly like a boxer trains, that can keep up a sustained hard, aggressive attack for more than 30 seconds or so in my experience. Try it yourself sometime on a heavy bag, where you are making full contact. Time yourself and go at it as hard and fast as you can. 30 seconds has most people totally winded and about ready to fall over. Now, take that 30 seconds of attack on your opponent, and say you don't hit anything vital on him, or he covers up well so that you are beating his arms or he's back-peddling and you're missing sometimes. When you're about to fall over from exertion, he's could be all ready to pound on you. Just try the 30 seconds on a heavy bag, full out, no stopping and make your shots count like they would in a real fight. See what happens.

Agreed. another thing to keep in mind is keep moving! A larger, and unskilled opponent will try to overwhelm you with his physical superiority and mass (ie: fall on you!), especially if he is taking hits and getting hurt by the,m. Move to the side. Hit and run. Speed is your advantage, so use it. I'm 6'6" tall and weigh around 240lbs, and I can move faster on my feet than most people I've encountered in a street fight, and I've been lucky to be able to use that speed and not taken one single hit because of it. I move a lot, and I don't mean hopping and dancing around. I'm talking just moving side to side...forward and back, as the situation dictates. Movement makes you a harder to catch target, throws your opponent off balance and makes them be more defensive, and less offensive as you "hit and run".

I guess where you hit someone depends on what effect you want to have on them. The chin's a good target, but in a bareknuckle streetfight, it's a good way to get your hand broken, and not a guaranteed knockout. It's hard to continue a fight if your own hand is broken. I tend to tell my students that the nose is a great place to hit someone first. Does it knock them out? No, not generally, but it has several benefits that I feel are important. I've used the nose several times as a target in a real fight, and it's worked very well for me. 1. It causes the eyes to water immediately, which will blind the individual for a few precious seconds, allowing you time and opportunity to run, or to followup with any number of other strikes to put your opponent on his(her?) butt. 2. Hitting the nose has good "shock effect" on an individual. Most people don't like the taste of their own blood, and the nose is so sensative, that it hurts like hell when struck hard. Now, before somebody chimes in and says "But can't you kill somebody by hitting the nost hard and sending splinters of bone into the brain?"...the answer is...no, you can't. Not unless your punch or kick has the power of a jackhammer on a stationary target. Maybe we should start a thread just on that myth?

How about adding a student, in full dress, holding a katana poised to decapitate you in case you fail? OK...OK...I just thought that would be pretty impressive and different. I don't do breaking at all, or at least, not defenseless bricks and boards, but one break that I really would like to see someone perform, and have yet to even hear attempted, is where you pick any 5-6 people out of the audience (better to pick other experienced "holders") and have them surround you with boards/bricks or whatever. Then you close your eyes and tell these people, with no advance coaching on your part, to stand anywhere around you they want to, holding their boards/bricks whereever they chose to (low, mid-level or high), and when they say they're ready, you open your eyes, take one quick look around, and proceed to do your thing. What really bothers me about watching breaking, is all the preperation time spent breathing, psyching themselves up, positioning and re-positioning the breaking materials over and over again, and the "false starts", where they yell..then pull back and start all over again. IMHO, I feel that a break would best be served by imitating a real attack, where you don't have all the time in the world to think about what you want to do, or 2nd attempts if the first one fails, to make it work. Just an idea.

I live in Montana, and back in the early 70's, there wasn't a whole lot of arts to select from. Basically, there were 3 dojo's in my small town. TKD, Hawaiian Kempo, and Shorinryu. The TKD and Kempo sensei were well known to go out to the bars frequently and start fights. Not my thing, so I chose the Shorinryu system, and have never regretted it. I'm a very defensive/counter fighter. I love an aggressive person to come at me. Shorinryu is a perfect system (IMHO) for this, as it doesn't waste any time with flashy and ineffective techniques.