Kyle-san

That seemed a bit much for a light hearted discussion, of course there are always factors and differences that affect things. However... I feel I should point out these 5 and comment. The second, third and fifth (possibly even fourth) are the only ones really necessary for a TKD-ist to succeed. I've seen guys my height (5'9") and less blow away huge guys because they understood interception, were deadly fast and weren't ignorant of grappling and other styles.

In all honesty, I wouldn't have known the difference either and I've got my 1st Kyu in Shotokan. That doesn't mean my technique or teaching was bad, just that things were done in English for simplicity sakes. As my Aki Ju-Jitsu sensei says: "We aren't in Japan, so why go by the Japanese names for the techniques?"

Aki Ju-Jitsu or Ketto Ryu Jujutsu would dominate most karate, TKD and kung fu styles. I'm pretty sure they'd have few problems with Muay Thai and even other grappling arts. But, definately the best against karate due to the fact that with most karate students once you grab them they have no idea what to do. At all. Wing Chun would work well against karate or even something like judo or jujutsu. There is enough work with grabs and falls in wing chung to get rid of that weakness and the sensitivity training gives them a huge advantage. Tae Kwon Do would work well against itself and karate, maybe some forms of kung fu. Even some grappling styles have difficulty if you get those kicks going at a decent speed. It tends to make people back off. Shotokan Karate would be good against TKD or some kung fu styles if they can get close enough to get one good hit in. Anything else and they'd get butchered.

Go join his "class" with a few others from the club, then start questioning what he's doing. That usually causes these kind of people to back down.

Well, I checked it out today and was pretty impressed. The class was very relaxed (enjoying themselves, but not messing around too much) and the instructor was easy to get along with. It was difficult to distinguish rank seeing as the levels were all mixed together, there weren't many students there and noone was wearing a blet. Good sign. He had them break into groups of two or three and work out a combination that involved a few strikes, a takedown and some ground work. It was interesting to see what the groups came up with based on their rank in the club and other experience (two white belts came up with the best one). There was some breakfall practice, a short break, then the moved into their belt ranks to work on rank-specific techniques. This included strikes, grabs, locks, takedowns and weapons defence. Everything was quick, practical and pretty deadly. To end things off they did a game called "Circle of Death" in which one student was in the middle and everyone attacked one at a time. In the case of the higher belts once one person began their attack, the next could jump in. Weapons could be used if they wanted or whatever they felt would be the best. Everything from traditonal karate techniques to using a knife or pipe to two knives/a knife and a pipe/two pipes were used. The sensei even got into things to make it more challanging. Overall I got a very good impression from the club, they're making sure everyone keeps up, are learning something pretty nasty and enjoy themselves. I think I'll join in next class.

Ah, I see. That's a good way of interpereting kata, but couldn't the same affect be achieved through constant drilling? I look at kata as both a way of building stances, strenghtinging moves, and showing how to string together combinations as well as expressing the art. Oh, ok. I used to be up in Garden City.

I noticed the other day that there's a Ketto Ryu club on campus and was wondering if anyone had information it that style of Jujutsu. I'm going to check it out tomorrow, but was curious anyway.

Shit, that's a rediculous ammount to charge for a testing.

Ah, I see what you're getting at now. Yeah, these are the people that the "anti-kata" martial artists are usually holding up when making their points. Knowing the applications of the kata and being able to use them in variation is the most important thing, IMHO. By the way, where exactly do you train in Winnipeg? I used to live there and am a bit curious.

I've been in a few situations and haven't had any problems taking care of myself. Nothing remotely serious, though.

Green- Different Kata have different applications depending on what moves are being used. For example, I just learned "Monkey Form I" in my Wing Chun class. It involved a lot of low stances and moves that I probably would never touch going into a sparring/fight situation. However, the point of the kata was to develop my stances and the strength of my legs. Not everything is 100% applicable and by simply "knowing" something, doesn't mean you'll be able to pull it off properly. That's where kata comes in.

It depends on who you're putting at the top of the scale. What would be considered "normal". I'd say I'm around a 6 or 6.5; faster than most, but not that great.

Be prepared to hit the ground and immediately go for a soft area (throat, armpit, etc). Most likely try and get him into a wrist lock or armbar, then strike that bundle of nerves under the armpit as fast and hard as I can.

It seems to me Thai is being really closed-minded about any application that doesn't come from his style. Just an observation.

Canucks or Canadians. They both kick Toronto's ass.

Dodging back kicks work wonders. Same for the doding turning kick.

Unless, of course, the point of the kata is grace over power.

Chin Na is pretty amazing, from what I've seen it can even compare with Aikijutsu and that says something. I'd put a [good] Chin Na practitioner up against any of the main grappling arts any day.

I've been training in Aikijujitsu since April and probably won't test until next April or May.

If they did come for me, I'd do my best to finish things quickly and protect my grandparent. However, I wouldn't be overly eager to jump into things. I think the essence of martial arts is (in a modern sense) much more focused on protection than a technique that will kill or destroy an opponent.

If you can find an Aikijutsu school you should join up, in my opinion it's the best style.

I have my 1st Kyu in Shotokan Karate .

In class: 3 hour and a half to two hour sessions each week with some extra Sunday classes now and then that usually run three hours. Out of class: Constantly.

Like KickChick said, all three. I switch stances and move around so much it doesn't matter anyway.