superleeds

In some context some karate styles is better than some judo and/or aikido styles, and vice versa. Personally I hold aikido and judo in the highest regard and dont understand why Osama senzei would claim that karate is a superior style. Especially since there are so many styles of karate, some more complete than others. I can name a few karate styles that I would not recommend others to devote their time and health to.

hm...I think I'll skip todays training......

The MMA site is really oozing with machismo. Phil Baroni's challenge to Frank Shamrock being one example. As for your question Kenpo4life, its a very important one in the sence that "how aware of are u really of your fighting capabilities when fighting an oponent that wants to hurt you? (in contrast to sparring buddies at the club) I think that is an aspect of our martial arts training that we in general tend to ignore. Kickchick's response was as always an inspiering read and i couldnt have put it better myself. I honestly still have some doubt about my fighting abilities. I've learned quite a bit in the short time i have been a karateka, and in our style we emphasize bunkai all the time, but there is still a lot of training to do before I feel the confidence that uou asked about. I have been in fights (prior to my martial arts training) because i simply had to, and it was never a good experience. I personally dont like fighting, because it brings out sides of my personality that I don't like.

If you know the guy discuss the matter over a cup of coffe with him, and tell him about your concern. There is always a solution if people are willing to talk. If he is a selfpromoted black belt then offering him a chance to grade for black belt in your club might be a solution. I dont know how the guy is as a person, but if he's serious about teaching, then grading should fix all the problem's (if he is skilled enough of course) There are many ways to pass a river

Disrespectfulness towards fellow students is something i cannot stand. Luckily it is not a problem in our club.

What is this "hyung"? Once again my ignorance seems to have gotten the better of me...

There is true wisdom in your words

If you put enough effort into it there are no problems, concerning cross training.

One of the instructors in our karateclub,adviced me to mix, my karate wih some JJ. Just to get a foot in the grappling worl, and as sutch be more well rounded at self defence. But what style should i choose? What is the main difference between small circle JJ, brazilian JJ and other forms of JJ? Any advice would be appriciated.

I hate playing basketball and other teamsports at the warm up(though we seldo do this) due to the fact that i cant stand losing. I always run to much and get exhausted before the actual karate begins.

Generally I say that i'm just working out. If I do say that i'm practicing karate, the bastards normally ask: Are u a black belt? are u a "dangerous person?" Those moments i just wish i had the "force" like Darh Vader

Kata is only a waste of time if yo are not interessted in becoming a skilled karateka.

Personally I love fancy moves, however we dont learn "fancy moves" until higher gradings.

I was going to say that!! I think I would go for either J.Chan, Bruce Lee or Jet Li, for all the "wrong" reasons: Women,money, fame and not least: flashy moves

Two days ago we were doing some exercises with small pillows or bags. (small rectangular thingies) Anyway what we basically do, is that we take turns, punching and kicking the pillow while our sparring partner is holding it. While holding the pillow I suddenly lose my balance and move the pillow downwards from the stomach area to the groin area while I try to get back my footing. Paying no attention to it, my partner kicks a very, very, very hard front kick. Needless to say I wasn't feeling very "competitive" afterwards.

LOL

Thanks Mark!! Wonderful site.

I agree that TKD isnt the best art out there, on the basis that there is no such thing. (but I will not go into that in this thread)Our proficiency at self defence will always be a matter of our own effort at learning whatever art we are learning, and our ability to apply that. Another important factor is of course the mental aspect- of events where we might be forced to apply whatever self defence skills we have. I dont think that bullies, muggers, wrapeists or what have you, are proficient at MA (as people in general are not) Learning any MA gives confidence (hopefully) to handle encounters of the sorts. If not, well thats another debate altogether. (about a instructors ability) If you do get attacked by someone who is efficient in MA, be it the same style as you or another one, then its about your effort, ability, awerness and not least: dum luck

In English "stav" means stick. The art was developed or at least utilized by the vikings. There are very few people today that know this form.

After watching and being part of, the Karateforums for a brief time I`v been somewhat intrigued by comparing how this "american dominated" forum looks at certain aspects of MA as oposed to the "local forums" where I discuss with other norwegians. One of the things that really have puzzeled me is this aperant disregard for TKD (on Karateforums). One topic that always seem to come back every now and then Is that "TKD is useless in a street fight" The reason: "high kicks dont work" "TKD people doesnt learn self defence techniques" My question to that is: against whom? In what context? First of all, people doesn't just attack you on the street. If we do get attacked, its probably some bully in a bar that wants to have a go at some one. Bully's are generally cowards. Look them straight in the face, and most will back off. If not, high kicks do work! After all, who is stupid enough to pick a fight with someone who can stand close to you and kick you in the teeth? Raise yr hands please. If that is not enough and said bully attacks you a hard kick in the knee\groin will probably help. If high kicks is the only "weapon" a TKD practisioner knows, then ther is a serious problem with the dojo and not with TKD as an art. Just my 2 cents

Thanks guys But what are squats, powerkicks, and lunges? Sorry for the ignorance.

Can someone suggest any exercises to strengthen the muscles in my hips? I was thinking about the ones we use when we do front kicks and sidekicks. I dont know the English word for it.

Why is Karate bad for self defence Bon?

Thanks for the help people