Taikudo-ka Posted May 14, 2002 Posted May 14, 2002 Yes, exactly... The laws of physics haven't changed... The human body is still put together in the same way. Some people may be a bit larger or heavier, but their skeletal structure and mechanics remain the same, muscles still work the same way, etc. They can still be damaged the same way. If you go back in time everything doesn't suddenly become black and white, magic doesn't start working, elves and fairies and dragons don't appear, and homo sapiens have been homo sapiens for a LONG time now. And a crushed skull or projectile bolt though the heart almost always kills us, always has. Having our feet pulled out from under us almost always results in us falling on our asses, and always has. A "technique" is only outdated is everyone is aware of it, and everyone knows a consistent defense against it. So people develop new techniques to get around new defenses. But the funny thing is, as the "obsolete" technique becomes despised and forgotten, so does the defense against it. How can you defend against something you don't know of? So eventually the "obsolete" technique might again become suprisingly effective... until the cycle starts over. Plus techniques can be improved and refined to make them more effective, while keeping the same principle. A bullet is really just a high tech arrow head. A gun is nothing more than a high-tech crossbow, the crossbow nothing more than a high-tech, easier to use long-bow, and the bow nothing more than a high-tech delivery mechanism for a spear, and the spear just a harder version of a sharpened stick, in turn a refinement of the club, which was just an easier and safer way of belting the enemy than using your own hand. The basic, rather barbaric aim of causing as much damage, as deeply or internally as possible, to the most lethal location, while remaining as far away, safe, and detached from the violence as possible, remains the same. It sees its ultimate sinister manifestation in the video controlled, laser guided cruise missile... KarateForums.com - Sempai
Taikudo-ka Posted May 14, 2002 Posted May 14, 2002 If anyone wants to get really philosophical, a thought occured to me - By actually studying "in-your-face" hand to hand martial arts, we become aware of the nature of violence and the true consequences of force unleashed against the body. By gaining this awareness, and awareness of our own ability to cause harm, we become reluctant to actually resort to violence. Knowing how easy it could be to kill someone, and being aware of the seriousness of this action, paradoxically makes you value life more - you're less likely to think of violence as a game. Even if you do a "sport" art you are aware of how much any "real" violence has to be controlled and regulated to actually make it safe. I'm sure this is integral to the idea of budo, which is why the true warrior avoids violence at all costs. Of course, the warrior also has the confidence that comes from knowing that if some fool attempts violence, it won't be them that gets hurt. In fact, the true warrior would even try to save the fool's own neck by trying to disuade them from their course of action. Hmm... I guess in conclusion I'd say that the true purpose of the warrior is to prevent war, at all costs. What is more worrying is Gung Ho Willy in front of his computer screen, trying to decide what "evil enemy" to blast next... KarateForums.com - Sempai
KickChick Posted May 14, 2002 Posted May 14, 2002 I got something entirely different out of reading that article. .... kinda made me feel better about myself. Although I train in TKD, I am by no means "flashy" ... My goal is to execute the very best side kick I can. Although I can do those "flashy" kicks TKD incorporates and enjoy "demonstrating" them, it is not my personnal forte and I wouldn't streetfight using such techniques --- I'll leave that for Jackie Chan. But there are many TKD stylists and other "flashy" martial artists that have been dissed on numerous occasions here on the forum because their extraordinary aerial acrobatic kicks aren't "practical" especialling for "streetfighting". I never get "flashy" when I spar ... "flashy" is for kata/form the "art" of the style I feel. The basics work best when it comes down to "fighting/sparring"... taking "physics" into account ... and developing the body to encounter force, to be in good physical and mental condition.... the martial arts produces all this and more. He makes the statement that we all practice martial arts for different reasons .... it need not be practical for the streets ....(yes times have changed there are guns on the street not nunchakus or kamas !!) I agree. This is the "gist" of what he is saying: "Some people spend a whole lot of time trying to learn flashy kicks that involve a lot of jumping and spinning and contortions that otherwise belong in a circus act. They enjoy it. For them it's as much a part of the process of learning and self evolution as is the hours spent going over minute details of "practical" technique. It matters as much as does the learning of history and culture and the fighting that will work on the street. If all you want is to learn stuff that will work on the street, you don't need long term martial arts training. You just need someone knowledgeable in personal defense willing to teach you--you'll be done in a few months and then can dedicate yourself to just keeping in shape. But most people who go into a martial art want more." Yeah, I wanted more! ... and I suppose there are more of you out there too! _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan Tae Kwon Do (ITF) Cardio/Fitness Kickboxing Instr. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-05-14 05:22 ] [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-05-14 05:26 ]
shotochem Posted May 14, 2002 Posted May 14, 2002 Hi Guys, IMHO I dont see what his problem is. After all do you not need the basics to be able to perform those flashy techniques? AS well as the physical ability? Anyone who practices a MA would not even consider trying any of that for a defense situation. I do believe the MA would help greatly if one is attacked. If one trains regularly their body and mind are conditioned. The body of a person who trains can take and avoid a lot more hits than a person who does not.(fire arms excluded) This combined with the better mechanics of basic punching and kicking and good reflexes goes a long way against an untrained attacker. Pain is only temporary, the memory of that pain lasts a lifetime.
kicker Posted May 20, 2002 Posted May 20, 2002 I also don't agree with the hole article I might agree with parts of it. Some people take Martial Arts for reasons thats why we have our own style and do it for a reason like self defense or like want to be a pro Martial Artist. But I think Martial Arts is more then a thing to do because it can teach you skills that you can't learn on your own well you can but you might learn it wrong. when you do your best it`s going to show. "If you watch the pros, You will learn something new"
Bon Posted May 22, 2002 Posted May 22, 2002 'If all you want is to learn stuff that will work on the street, you don't need long term martial arts training. You just need someone knowledgeable in personal defense willing to teach you--you'll be done in a few months and then can dedicate yourself to just keeping in shape. ' He can't expect dignity from that statement.. A few months ?! haha.. I won't dignify it any more by mentioning it. _________________ It takes sacrifice to be the best. There are always two choices, two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it's easy. [ This Message was edited by: Bon on 2002-05-22 07:26 ] It takes sacrifice to be the best.There are always two choices, two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it's easy.
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