What do you think should be required in testing?

[AngelaG]

What are mountain punch and ox jaw?

Mountain punch is in Bassai Dai (yamazuki)

[Sensei Rick]

What are mountain punch and ox jaw?

Mountain punch, is the same motion as mountain block, kinda bend side ways, then punch your opponent in the face and the groin at the same time.

Ox Jaw, .... picture "paint the fence" from karate kid. Striking with the back of the wrist. (ball of the wrist block) but it's a strike. Oh ... this would be the "UP"of paint the fence. Does that make sense?

[parkerlineage]

Mountain punch, is the same motion as mountain block, kinda bend side ways, then punch your opponent in the face and the groin at the same time.

We open Short Form 3 and Long Form 3 with that. I don't know if we have a name for it other than overhead-horizontal-looping-punch-with-simultaneous-low-looping-upward-horizontal-punch.

Gotta love Kenpo naming...

As for the other, yes, it makes sense, but I've never used it. How effective is it?

[Zorbasan]

I don't really count front or back leg as a different kick. I just count the basic kick, the spin version, the reverse version, jump, jump spin, jump reverse, etc.

Just differences in cataloging, really.

yeh, thats pretty much what i was thinking. its all pretty much the same kick with a variation

kinda like saying that a Impreza LX, Impreza GX, Impreza RX, Impreza RS, Impreza WRX, Impreza WRX Sti, Impreza WRX Club Spec in sedan/hatch/auto/manual are 28 different car models.

[Jiffy]

HAHAHAHA Zorbasan....

You do know that this isn't a car forum right?!?

I'm not sure most people would even know what these cars are, but I suppose it does illustrate a good point!!

[Sensei Rick]

As for the other, yes, it makes sense, but I've never used it. How effective is it?

yes, very effective. it;s a strong part of your body and can take good impact.

as for the comment about the kicks and catalogging. there are only so many ways to move the leg and foot, but if you study my list, there are many differences, its a strong kicking foundation.... yet there are similarities. many instuctors tho have been impressed with the kicks my students do. but, most wouldn't be effective in a fight. in a fight.... knee the groin, go home and have lunch.

[unknownstyle]

i have never got to test anyone yet. but i will be looking for technique according to rank, control in the ring, commitment behind each technique, power, one demeanor towards others and hard work

[Sensei Rick]

i have never got to test anyone yet. but i will be looking for technique according to rank, control in the ring, commitment behind each technique, power, one demeanor towards others and hard work

I love the fact that you have the best intent for your students. You sound like a great instructor that wants his students to defend themselves above getting thru a syllabus. One bit of concern though. Before you ever test a student you need to have a plan from white to black. You have to know what you want them to know at each level, and…………… how correctly you want it executed at each level. You can’t expect a round house of a beginner to have all the components of a black belt RH kick. Then….. Only test on what you have taught, and only test when then they have accomplished their technique to the level you want at that time. There by ensuring that they do not fail. Building confidence is the goal of martial arts (along with others) I know you are reading this and saying “DUH!!” but many instructors teach without a plan or any concept of what to expect of a student a each level, and until you have done it over and over, you may never learn. Teaching is, above all, a learning process. Good luck, and let me know if you need any help. My goal is to help and get help, so that the level of all martial arts is lifted and that a black belt of any style can be respected and defend themselves if need be.

[atalaya]

when routinely checking out old discussions i came across this and feel i would like to add something. i am fairly certain that in the martial arts we can all agree that one must have a refined spirit, as well as technique and while many suggest writing essays to prove the spirit or knowledge of a martial artist, i find that many of my students may not have a strong writing ability.

however, a martial artist must be prepared for peace as well as war. consider musashi with his sculptures, paintings and calligraphy. i would submit, then, that the martial artist must also make themselves adept at some other skill that can be presented and tested as a way of showing the purity of their hearts. thus a master of the martial arts is a balanced individual who does not depend on the flames of war to warm him.

[bushido_man96]

when routinely checking out old discussions i came across this and feel i would like to add something. i am fairly certain that in the martial arts we can all agree that one must have a refined spirit, as well as technique and while many suggest writing essays to prove the spirit or knowledge of a martial artist, i find that many of my students may not have a strong writing ability.

however, a martial artist must be prepared for peace as well as war. consider musashi with his sculptures, paintings and calligraphy. i would submit, then, that the martial artist must also make themselves adept at some other skill that can be presented and tested as a way of showing the purity of their hearts. thus a master of the martial arts is a balanced individual who does not depend on the flames of war to warm him.

This is a very interesting suggestion. I will keep it in mind.