LeaF

Check out this topic found in the stratigy forum http://www.karateforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3650

That is very interesting TigerKorea. I have check all my searches and directories and have found absolutly no information on Pal kuk kwon or Lee, Suh-mun. IT seems that it will be quite difficult to learn and take up this art. I would really appricate if you could give me some links or web sites about this man and art since you have stirred my interest IT seems this was not a very humble man... well I guess everyone has their flaws, pity.... To quote spiderman "With Great power comes great responsiblity", from this story it appears he did not know how to control his power and abused the responsiblilty that came with it...

I have done this several times before and wow your focus goes through the roof and It just seems so much easier to do everything. I don't think I can do it on call. Like Kensei said you can not think about doing it infact you must do the complete opposite....stop thinking

I agree wit you completely Bro. I am pround to be 5'9". Sure I wouldn't mind growing a few more inches but I do pretty much everything on that list, and there are 16 year olds who are 6"4" and eat terribly and get no sleep. So I think it is basicly in your genes and you may be able to manipulate that a little but I think you have to be happy with what you got, and not be too concerned with little things like how tall you are

I believe the complexities that is Okinawan technique and Karate is far to difficult to express and explain properly in a simple post (I tried to write it down my self)... So this was the article that I could find that I felt best convey the message of Okinawan karate technique that was fairly true for all styles of the okinawan art But I certainly welcome and await your definitions and explaination of the escence of Okinawan Karate technique Thank you for bringing to my understanding the errors in the article I found. Altough This article is not "perfect" I do believe it holds conciderable truth within it and to someone who does not study Okinawan Karate-do I feel this article will give a broad idea and concept of the movement and technique used in most karate forms. Frankly I don't see what is wrong with the first point (other than some difference is spelling ) But I will give you the opertunity to further explain yourself at which point I will comment, oddly enough I have to go to class now, I look forward to your post P.S. It is kinda funny how a thread can go from one topic to another

That was great!!

Protective gear is optional at my dojo and I choose not the wear it. I do this for a quite simple reason, I believe it is just as immportant to learn how to take a hit , and how it feels to be hit as it is to learn how to hit

[color=darkblue]Here you go Kensei here is an article I found on karate techniques maybe this will be helpful [/color] BASIC PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING KARATE TECHNIQUES Contributed by The Shihan-Ryu Institute Tsuki (punching), uchi (striking), keri (kicking), and uke (blocking), are the fundamental karate techniques. They are at once the beginning and the final goal of karate. Students can easily learn to perform these basic movements in little more than two months, but perfection in their performance may be impossible. Therefore, students must practice regularly and employ maximum concentration and effort in the performance of each movement. However, practice will not achieve its object if it is undertaken incorrectly. Unless students learn techniques on a scientific basis, under an instructor employing a systematic and properly scheduled training system, their efforts will be in vain. Karate training can be considered scientific only when it is conducted on the basis of correct physical and physiological principles. Surprisingly, an examination of the karate techniques which our predecessors created and refined through continuous study and practice reveals that these techniques accord with modern scientific principles. However, further refinement is always possible. We must try to analyze our techniques in an unceasing effort to improve. The following points are of primary importance in the study of karate. Form, Balance and Center of Gravity Karate is not the only sport that concentrates on the optimum utilization of the human body or embraces principles taught in physics and physiology. All the martial arts and most other sports depend on correct form for the effectiveness of their techniques. In baseball, good batting form is necessary to attain a high batting average. A fencer spends years perfecting movements which, to the layman, look easy. Such practice results in body movement, or form, which is physically and physiologically correct. Correct form is especially important in karate. All parts of the body must harmonize to provide the stability necessary to sustain the shock of delivering a kick or punch. The karate student must often stand on one foot to attack or defend. Thus, balance is of prime importance. If the feet are placed far apart, with a consequent lowering of the center of gravity, a kick or punch will be stronger. However, it is easier to move if the center of gravity is somewhat higher and the feet closer together rather than spread to the maximum possible extent. Therefore, although stability is important, there is a point beyond which it is not worth going. If the student is overly concerned with stability, he will lose elasticity. If he bends his knees too much to maintain balance, his kick will not be effective. Thus, the position of the body and, consequently, the center of gravity, depends upon the circumstances. The center of gravity is always shifting. Sometimes body weight is evenly distributed between both feet, and sometimes there is more on one foot than on the other. When performing yoko-geri (side kick), the weight is completely shifted to one foot. In this case, the student must stand firmly on one leg, otherwise the shock of delivering the kick will upset his balance. However, if he stand on one foot for too long, his opponent can easily attack. Therefore, his balance must be shifted constantly from one foot to the other. His center of gravity must shift quickly from right to left and back again to avoid giving the opponent an opportunity to attack. At the same time, the student must constantly look for an opening in his opponent’s defense. Power and Speed The possession of muscular strength alone will not enable one to excel in the martial arts or, for that matter, in any sport. The effective use of strength is important. The application of power to any movement depends on a number of factors. One of the most important of these is speed. The basic punching and kicking techniques of karate achieve their power by the concentration of maximum force at the moment of impact. This concentration of force depends greatly upon the speed will result in increased power. The punch of an advanced karateka can travel at a speed of 43 feet per second, and generate power to destroy equal to 1,500 pounds. Speed is an important element in the application of power, but speed cannot achieve its greatest affect without good control. The kind of movement needed in fundamental karate techniques is not one which will move a heavy object slowly, but one which will move a light object with maximum speed. Thus, the strong but slow exercise of power necessary to lift a barbell is not as effective in karate as the power developed by hitting the punching board (makiwara) with great speed. Another principle to remember is that greater speed can be generated if power travels a longer route to its target. For example, in kicking, the knee of the kicking leg should be bent as much as possible and the body so placed in relation to the target that the leg will be fully stretched at the moment o impact. The longer the course the leg travels to the target, the stronger the kick will be. In order to increase power and speed, it is necessary to practice responding to sudden and unrehearsed attacks. Such practice, together with an understanding and application of the dynamics of movement, will help shorten reaction time. Concentration of Power A punch or kick will be weak if applied with the arm or leg alone. To achieve maximum power it is necessary to use the strength of all parts of the body simultaneously. When punching or kicking, power moves from the center of the body, the major muscles, to the extremities, ending in the hand or foot. This power moves from one part of the body to the next at a speed of 1/100 of a second. The whole movement from beginning to end takes only .15 to .18 of a second if the momentum possible in this action is correctly exploited. Training should be conducted so that all available strength is focused in the foot when kicking or in the hand when punching. It is important that the various muscles and tendons are kept loose and relaxed to permit instant response to changing circumstances. If the muscles are already tense, they cannot be further tensed at the moment of focus. Power concentrated at the time of focus must be instantly released to prepare for the succeeding action. Constant training in alternately tensing and relaxing the body is very important to acquire proficiency in the application of karate techniques. Role of Muscular Power Power to the body is supplied by the muscles. Well-trained, powerful, and elastic muscles are mandatory in karate. Even if the student is well-versed in karate theory and knows the principles of the dynamics of movement, his technique will be weak if his muscles are not strong enough. Therefore, constant training is necessary to strengthen the muscles of the body. If karate training is to be conducted scientifically, it is also necessary to know which muscles are employed in the execution of a particular technique. When practicing a new technique, students sometimes use unnecessary muscles or muscles which actually hinder the performance of the technique. Therefore, beginners must carefully follow the advice of their teachers. When the proper muscles operate fully and harmoniously, the technique will be strong and effective. On the other hand, if unnecessary muscles operate there will result, at the very least, a loss of energy, and at worst an ineffective technique. Finally, the speed of muscular contraction is important, because the faster a muscle is tensed the greater will be the power produced. Rhythm An essential element in the performance of techniques in the martial arts and other sports is rhythm. The proper execution of a series of movement in any sports is impossible without rhythm. Also, the rhythm evident in the movements of athletes is more complicated than, and cannot be expressed in terms of, musical rhythm. It is essential for the karate student to learn correct rhythm in both the basic techniques and in the more advanced sparring (kumite). Rhythm is especially necessary in the performance of formal exercise (kata). We have been taught since early times that the three most important elements in kata performance are the application of strength at the correct time, the control of speed in techniques and from technique to technique, and the smooth transition of the body from one technique to the next. These requirements cannot be fulfilled without rhythm. The kata performance of the person advanced in karate is powerful, rhythmical, and consequently, beautiful. Timing Correct timing is of utmost importance in applying techniques. If timing is faulty, the technique will fail. A kick or punch which is directed at the target either too early or too late is often fruitless. The start of a technique is of first importance in any consideration of timing. To start their particular movements more effectively, baseball players and golfers condition their swings with practice swings. However, there is not opportunity for anything like a practice swing in karate, where the outcome can be decided in an instant. A failure in timing could be disastrous. The attack in karate must be launched with the hands and feet in the usual position of readiness or defense. Obviously, the hands and feet must always be positioned so that techniques can be easily and quickly applied. Immediately after the application of a technique, they must be returned to their former position, ready for the following movement. Moreover, during the course of these movements the body must be kept relaxed, but alert, with the muscles full of energy and ready for any eventuality. Lower Abdomen and Hips Coaches of modern sports constantly stress the role of the hips in furnishing maximum power to any movement. For example, they say, "Hit with your hips," or "Throw with your hips," or "Get your hips into it." In Japan the importance of the tanden has been taught from early times. Teachers of the martial arts, and those of other arts and disciplines, have constantly emphasized the importance of the tanden in achieving competence. This region was emphasized because it was felt that here was centered the human spirit, and that this area provided the basis of power and balance. The tanden actually is that area behind the navel, in the center of the body. When standing erect, the body’s center of gravity is located here. If the stance is correct in karate, the center of gravity will be found in the tanden. A correct stance will enable the student to maintain the balance of both the upper and lower parts of his body, resulting in harmonious interplay of the muscles and a minimum loss of energy. If the power concentrated in the tanden is brought into play in executing karate techniques, the pelvic and hip bones will be firmly supported by the thighs, and the trunk by the spine. This interlocking will produce strong techniques. The center of the body, i.e., the lower abdominal area and the hips, plays a great part in our various movements. Therefore, try to punch with the hips, kick with the hips, and block with the hips.

LoL thats hilarious hmm I can't think of anything that has happened too me that can compete with that... The only time I have felt a little embarassed was when I was but a wee child we had a kind of rely race for fun at the end of class. Well it start all good and well, we basicly just had to run or hop or something from one end of the room to the other. Well it came to my turn, and off I went. But when I reached the other side of the room I triped over my own feet and well... erm my head kinda went through the wall. I suppose that was a little more painful than embarassing. But anyway it took a couple minutes for some people to finally pull me out of the wall leaving a big hole where my head was. Sensei did not have a happy look on his face, but luckily one of the assistants who works in construction volunteered to fix it, which was a big relief Not quite as embarrassing as your moment monkey but it was embarassing at the moment Now we got wooden panels up so this should not be a problem again

So are you saying the benefits of chocolate out weigh the negatives. IF so I have been eating quite "unhealthy" for some time, I don't eat chocolate, ice cream, cake, soda, chips or any of those kinda of things, but I think I still cover the things I am missing by eating other foods, perhaps you could tell us a little more KickChick

I have been doing burpees for years, I love them It was basicly the thing in the prison workout post in the h&f forum. Here is it's discription So let's start by explaining how to do the one exercise you'll need, the Burpee. 1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your hands raised over your head. Now squat down and place your palms on the floor by your feet. 2. Kick both of your legs back so that you're now in position to do a pushup. 3. Bend your elbows and lower your body until it's about one inch off of the floor. 4. Now push yourself back up and at the end of the pushup quickly pull both knees into your chest while keeping your hands on the floor. You're basically jumping back into the squat position found in the first step. 5. Jump up in the air as high as you can and throw your hands in the air over your head. You're now in the position that you started in, repeat as needed. Sorry I couldn't find a site with pictures... you'd be amazed how well this exercise works your entire body, try it sometime

Here are some more of my favorite quotes The best things in life aren't things The reward for listening when you'd rather be talking is wisdom Success is in the backbone not the wishbone The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook! Life is the flow of energy Be self-sufficent but not isolated Teachings are references, True expirence is living your own life. What is the picture you have of the "impossible", as it relates to the untried in your life? A bridge never crossed is a life never lived If you want to be special you have to stick with things even when they are difficult

Congrats on taking the first step but join a MA. As for your exercise anything that gets your heart pumping is great, such as runing, rump rope, burpees... Check out the health and fintness forum for all sorts of exercises

I have to disagree with you Dee and Blue.. I believe the martial arts ask us to be humble and not start fights and if we follow the examples of the great masters (or at least the karate ones ) we will see this shown.. For instance I recall a story I read about hmm I believe it was Chojun Miyagi (founder of Goju ryu). He was approached by a drunken soldier who wanted his money. Well he merely gentlly threw the man aside and continued. But later that day he debated his actions and felt sorry for the man he threw aside. He believe it would have been better to just give the man his money, who obviously needed it more due to the fact the war had ended leaving him unemployed... It is a common misconception ion todays socialty that the martial arts teach and encourage fighting. I believe if a fight can be avoided at any cost than it is a success. (of coarse you do not let this be known to much because you will have tons of people walking all over you.) So I do believe the Scriptures and the martial arts do fall into place and basicly speak and teach us the same thing. A little humilaty in this world could go a long way.

What would you like to know history, technique, influances, key people etc. ... I will try to answer to the best of my ability athough there may be others that could tell you more

well said Blue Dragon I agree fully It reminds me of this grading I was helping out at... I had to spar these two little 8 year olds (more like me messing up their hair while they try to hit me...helps build offense) And first there was the big kid, look like he might blast out whith energy (so I covered my groin cause he was about that tall ) but he was just a little well pathetic. ANyway next was this little scronny kid (that looked like harry potter ) And he went abosolutly psych on me. So looks can be decieving

Have a great trip!

I will be 100% honest with you Kensai, If I was ever going to take on another art it would probably be Aikido, for several reasons. Firstly there is not alot of grappling throwing used in goju and I think it would be nice to gather some expirence in that region, so one may ask why not do bjj or something like that. Well the aswer is simple I like the idea of moving someone out of my way without hurting them if not nessasary. I do not want to kill some drunk in a bar if I can just toss him out of the way. Perhaps though the reason why I would most like to train in aikido is the history. I do some Iaido in my kobudo training and I love the rich tradition that so many modern arts seem to forget. I have the understanding that Aikido has been around for quite some time and I am interested in studying and knowing more about it's history and taking part and learning about it through training. And lastly I would train in aikido for the mental benifits it holds and developments it encourages. And who wouldn't want to join an art that means the art of peace (yes I know it also means "the way of the universal force") In closing I will quote the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba and that really sums it all up

XpOiSoN FrEeX as you progress further in your training (and get a little older ) You will find that your MA training becomes a lifestyle, at least this is what I have found. I do not look at my training anymore as a mere hobby it is a way of life . I found that this life style is further enhanced and support by religion (mainly budhism but it could easyly relate to any religion). Once you get past the obvious physical elements of training and get more in touch with the mental aspects this way of life will begin to take shape for you I am just talking from experience since I started train at the age of 8, but everyone is different

I wonder what they were protesting, must have been something very important

Budo seek has a very good directory , I have found it useful in the past....It is an international directery that list the schools according to art see link http://www.budoseek.net/

I think it is a combination of mental and physical... You have to be able to think quick on your feet, and as for the physical you have to do the best with what you got, Someone who is 5 feet can be just as powerful as someone who is 6. You have tot raain your body according to your size and you have to use the natural advantages you have to their fullest and counter the natural disadvanatages through training.. Bigger does not mean better

Preach the word 360 and omnifinite

we do blindfolded kata and ocassionally a type of sparing... One dude stands in the middle of a circle and everyone else stands around him... The other people are given numbers and when the instructor puts his fingers up showing a certain number that person attacks and the dude in the centre mys listen for him (and feel floor vibrations if their good) to block the strike and counter... Great for praticing using your other senses

omit this post I messed up sorry