OK, I know we did this before, but that was ages ago and surely some new members have something to say. So, who practices? What style? Opinions? I personally practice Kuk Sul Won and have been for about a year. I just got my red stripe and I love it. Anyone else?

Are we including sword fighting? If so, I sorta kinda practice Arness.

I took TKD for about 7 yrs, made it all the way to 2nd degree brown belt, 2 belts to go to black, got wrapped up in my music and college football, etc, but started kick-boxing a few years ago, which I have stuck with and enjoy.

Yeah, I did TKD for a few years.

i did Tong Su Do for a while...

i was going to get into Hapkido....but that kinda fell through.


...i REALLY want to take Capoeria.....the closest school is like 45 mins away from me :(...


was also thinking of looking into Krav Maga (Israeli Commando Martial Arts).......saw it on the History Channel.....it made me happy.....

who knows how to fight better than the Israeli Army!?! :)

As you may know I am now involved in Ninjitsu. I am having one hell of a time with it. Its really given me some real direction in my life. I dont just mean as far as self defense or fitness but in all aspects of my life. Its really cool.

Originally posted by Criminal
As you may know I am now involved in Ninjitsu. I am having one hell of a time with it. Its really given me some real direction in my life. I dont just mean as far as self defense or fitness but in all aspects of my life. Its really cool. no I didn't know that. that's really cool. I know what you mean about direction, I feel the same way.

Cool. I took Tae-Kwon-Do for like a year in the beginning of high school. I didn't take it too seriously, but that was also because of the school I was at. They were kind of wishy-washy about a lot of stuff, plus the owner was a part of the Korean mob and there were plenty of rumors floating around about him. More on that later. But yeah, I really enjoyed it as a fitness routine, and met a lot of cool people, too. Made it to green belt before I realized that, no matter what belt you are, they teach you the same things as everyone else. So I stopped taking tests and saved my parents a couple hundred dollars. Hehe.

Originally posted by ResidentRice
Cool. I took Tae-Kwon-Do for like a year in the beginning of high school. I didn't take it too seriously, but that was also because of the school I was at. They were kind of wishy-washy about a lot of stuff, plus the owner was a part of the Korean mob and there were plenty of rumors floating around about him. More on that later. But yeah, I really enjoyed it as a fitness routine, and met a lot of cool people, too. Made it to green belt before I realized that, no matter what belt you are, they teach you the same things as everyone else. So I stopped taking tests and saved my parents a couple hundred dollars. Hehe. I actually started in Tae Kwon Do in High School as well. I found it to be to much about the money and oriented too much towards tournaments. Had a disagreement with the instructor about money and promotions (he didn't want to promote me so I could compete ata lower level), so I quit. Tried Hapkido while I was in the Army. Same thing, got into it with the instructor over money and philosophy, so I left. Now, I LOVE what I'm doing. I LOVE the school and the instructors.

Yeah, I guess whatever school you're at has a lot to do with the quality of the martial arts. It only makes sense, right? Glad you got a lot out of it, and assume that you are continuing to do so.

I trained for a little over 3 years in a couple differnt styles!!
My instructor is a third degree black belt in korean T.K.D. and he also learned kung-fu and ju-jit-su too.
He also served in Nam in the special forces!!!
I know a lot about him cause he is my brother-in-law.
He taught me things he wouldn't teach his students untill they got their black belt!!!

I'm a blue belt in T.K.D. and I know a little kung-fu and ju-jit-su,
I also know how to use the broad swords, staff and a few other wepons.
My expertise is breaking, I have broke up to 8 two inch thick patio blocks!!!
:( He closed up the school and retired from teaching about 2 yrs ago!!!
Now the nearst decent school is about 50 miles away!!!:mad:

Donny

Originally posted by ResidentRice
Cool. I took Tae-Kwon-Do for like a year in the beginning of high school. I didn't take it too seriously, but that was also because of the school I was at. They were kind of wishy-washy about a lot of stuff, plus the owner was a part of the Korean mob and there were plenty of rumors floating around about him. More on that later. But yeah, I really enjoyed it as a fitness routine, and met a lot of cool people, too. Made it to green belt before I realized that, no matter what belt you are, they teach you the same things as everyone else. So I stopped taking tests and saved my parents a couple hundred dollars. Hehe.
To quote Mr Miagi on the Karate Kid, there is no bad Karate, there are just bad instructors. ;)

Originally posted by Criminal

To quote Mr Miagi on the Karate Kid, there is no bad Karate, there are just bad instructors. ;)

Well, yes & no... THe way it's taught largely now strictly as a sport make TKD far less than ideal as a self defense art. BUT, taught like it was originally & still is by a few, even TKD can be very effective. Take a look at June Rhee's kids in "Best of the Best" vs your corner TKD dojo & you'll see exactly what I mean.

In the mean time, I'll stick with my Kenpo Karate.:) The school also teaches Escrima on the side if you're in the black belt club. Bit over the last 15 years, I've at least dabbled with almost all the major styles out there. TKD, American Sport Karate, Escrima, Wing Chun, Sho Shu Chi, Parker Kenpo, Tracy Kenpo, Brazilian & Japanese Jui Jitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai, & even just a tiny bit of Russian Systema.:)

So, anyone else?

Guess not... :(

This forum needs more traffic anyway though.:( Maybe Manu could sell Manu some advertising space in the Lounge.:D

Used to kick-box, for about a six months, but that ended up turning into just boxing. That lasted about three years. Martial arts was never really an option with my serious lack of flexibility...it just hurts dude. I love it though, need to get back in to it.

I am trained to assault anyone mercilessly with insults and a sharp wit. Anyone that dares attack me, should be prepared to take an onslaught of amusing anecdotes and face the wrath of my insulting repertoire.

For I am a Cunning Linguist.

-Æ (Kitty hath ownethed Joo!)

Originally posted by Scott
i did Tong Su Do for a while...

i was going to get into Hapkido....but that kinda fell through.


...i REALLY want to take Capoeria.....the closest school is like 45 mins away from me :(...


was also thinking of looking into Krav Maga (Israeli Commando Martial Arts).......saw it on the History Channel.....it made me happy.....

who knows how to fight better than the Israeli Army!?! :)


Missed your comments earlier Scott... :(

Hapkido is pretty cool. Kinda 3/4 kenpo, 1/4 Aikido.

Capoeria is definately unique & unpredictable. Ed parker (kenpo's founder) had quite a few good things to say about it. Since it was originally created by Brazilian slaves and disguised as tribal dances, you SHOULD be a natural given your dance background. It'd likely help your dancing skills for musicals & such too.

Krav Maga... There are a few good books out there on it if you check Barnes & Noble or Borders. It's very much like Kenpo, except maybe a bit more practical against modern weapons.

Kickboxing and Kyokushin karate here.

Originally posted by jonnyofthedead
Kickboxing and Kyokushin karate here.

Cool deal, Jonny. Kyokushin's a pretty hard hitting style from what I've heard. Western kickboxing or Muay Thai?

I am naturally able to counter and defeat any martial art at any level, unless it's SmilingJack and I'm drunk. Formally, I took Karate just long enough to pass my first belt test and earn a two-striped yellow belt. I'm currently looking for an instructor in Yang Taijiquan in Southern California, but looking through the "family trees" for the style, I can't seem to find any closer than San Fransisco.

Originally posted by Guitarophile
I am naturally able to counter and defeat any martial art at any level, unless it's SmilingJack and I'm drunk.

That'll teach you to try and mosh into me when I am standing still. =)

I took Ju-Jitsu for a couple of years but have been unable to continue with it. Unfortunately my classes take up too much of my time. Darn the need for learning.

Cool deal, Jonny. Kyokushin's a pretty hard hitting style from what I've heard. Western kickboxing or Muay Thai?

Western kickboxing. Muay Thai looks fun, but I'm not sure if it would be terribly compatible with study, unfortunately.



Incidentally, you were Shadowhawk in the distant past, right?

I like to hit a punching bag every so often. To get stronger. I'm kinda taking time off but will resume soon. I like the exercise.

But if or when I pick up an art I'll only do Krav Maga. It's not the superior one, rather, it is the only one that doesn't have some type of religious content(although an Isrealite man made it up :D)

Originally posted by Shogun
I like to hit a punching bag every so often. To get stronger. I'm kinda taking time off but will resume soon. I like the exercise.

But if or when I pick up an art I'll only do Krav Maga. It's not the superior one, rather, it is the only one that doesn't have some type of religious content(although an Isrealite man made it up :D) Religous content? Like what? Many MAs come from a religous past, but aren't religous in their modern form.

Originally posted by jwreck
Religous content? Like what? Many MAs come from a religous past, but aren't religous in their modern form.

I think he's talking about the Taoist background of the Chinese martial arts and the Shinto-Buddhist background of the Japanese martial arts. Arts like Kung Fu or Chu Li Fut are intensely spiritual. Something like Karate or Muay Thai would be far less so.

Im a blackbelt in Taekwondo

Originally posted by Guitarophile


I think he's talking about the Taoist background of the Chinese martial arts and the Shinto-Buddhist background of the Japanese martial arts. Arts like Kung Fu or Chu Li Fut are intensely spiritual. Something like Karate or Muay Thai would be far less so. Yeah, but like I said, that's before. Not many arts teach religion nowadays.

Originally posted by jwreck
Yeah, but like I said, that's before. Not many arts teach religion nowadays.

I don't think I personally would be interested in training in a hollow technique like that. It only really becomes art when you put your spirit into it.

Hello there I took Tong Su Doo & Hapkido for 2 year but then i quit becuase i didnt want to get my black belt becuase i didnt want the responsibility of having it if i got in a fight. its cool there are some people on here that have taken Tong Su Doo , i havent meet anyone who had done that before :-P
K~

Think I understand about the religious content part: we checked out Aikido and, while it in itself seemed cool, you know, re-direct the bully's energies back to him, didn't like the philosophy and 2nd language skills adherent (or integral) to the whole thing. Guess you can't have one without the other, time to keep looking.

Anybody ever heard of these guys? http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/
http://www.rmcat.com/
Looks good from here, gonna check 'em out when we get back there.

In took aikido and jui Jitsu for 14 years as a child. Used it to stay in condition for wrestling in high school. Later joined the Army and went to Rangers so I got more training in Brazilian jui jitsu which was cool to learn the differences.

Hey, Shelter, is that the "system" they teach/use? Me and wife are interested in finding a no-nonsense shoot and scoot program to have for a rainy day, but want the easy way out, know what I mean? No dojos, no jammies, just the goods.
There's some SF types around to bother about what they can show us but not sure what to expect. Guess it depends on the individual, but whatdaya think?

Tae Kwon Do, I'm a black belt and I like practicing my dagger throwing and fighting skills.

Thought I'd bring this back with some of the new members. Any other martial artists out there? Also an update, I switched to Aikido a few months ago and love it.

I've taken a little Karate and a little Choi-Kwang-Do and a little Brazillian Ju-Jitsu.

I've said this before, but I can't find a martial art worth devoting myself to. There is always something missing (IMO) from the way they are taught. I feel like I'm being held back from realizing my full potential.

I lean towards the hard Karate like styles. It's my nature.

I want to find an art that allows for freedom from form (kink of like JKD) and promotes improvisation. I want to learn not practice how to learn. I want a teacher who allows contact and from time to time let's me take a shot at him. I want to be sure the man who is teaching me is my superior, not my equal or inferiror.

I like the idea of learning through application. I do not like katas and drills, that's a waste of time.

I've taken a little Karate and a little Choi-Kwang-Do and a little Brazillian Ju-Jitsu.

I've said this before, but I can't find a martial art worth devoting myself to. There is always something missing (IMO) from the way they are taught. I feel like I'm being held back from realizing my full potential.

I lean towards the hard Karate like styles. It's my nature.

I want to find an art that allows for freedom from form (kink of like JKD) and promotes improvisation. I want to learn not practice how to learn. I want a teacher who allows contact and from time to time let's me take a shot at him. I want to be sure the man who is teaching me is my superior, not my equal or inferiror.

I like the idea of learning through application. I do not like katas and drills, that's a waste of time.Sounds like you need to find a MMA school. They've become popular lately, so you should be able to find one. As far as the quality though...

Sounds like you need to find a MMA school. They've become popular lately, so you should be able to find one. As far as the quality though...

MMA?

MMA?Mixed Martial Arts. Schools focused on ultimate fighting challenge type stuff. Its the newest rage in martial arts. The problem is you generally get somebody who's had a few seminars in a few different styles so he decides to open his own MMA school.
:rolleyes: I'm sure if you search the net you'll find a few in your area though.

I tried that before. NOt my cup of tea. I enjoyed the contact and imporv, but that was all it offered. I was taking classes for about two weeks. All we did was wreslte each other. Every class for an hour and half we would wrestle each other.

There was no instruction at all. If you were getting beat by a guy there was no, "okay your having problems with this, try this instead", it was just "fight your way out, don't be a pussy!". I didn't like the attitude of the people there. There was no dicipline. I also don't like being drenched to the core with the sweat of other men.

It was also too wreatling oriented. They would always tell me, "Who wins the fights on UFC? The Ju-Jitsu fighters, they always win, the Karate guys, the Vale-Tudo guys always lose." That might be true, but submission is only one part of fighting. If I was allowed to strike or use any technique that I wanted, I could have beaten a few of the people who out-wrestled me.

Maybe I'm asking too much, or I'm too pickey.

If I could, I would learn something like Dim Mak. If I'm going to devote my life to martial arts, I want to know I'm not wasting my time. That's what I expect from myself as far as learning matial arts. If I was going to learn it, I would devote my life to it. Anything less than that is a waste of my time.

I'm currently looking for an instructor in Yang Taijiquan I now do wu-style, since two weeks. find a chinese teacher.

I suck at two variants of Kung Fu, Pak Mei Pei and Shaolin.

I want a teacher who allows contact and from time to time let's me take a shot at him.

Are you crazy? One, that's incredible disrespect. Two, if your teacher has the amount of skill he should have to take a class, trying that would result in you ending up on the ground sobbing in about half a second...

Are you crazy?

No, I'm not crazy.

One, that's incredible disrespect.

I don't care.

Two, if your teacher has the amount of skill he should have to take a class, trying that would result in you ending up on the ground sobbing in about half a second...

Precisely what I want to know. If he can put me in my place I'll respect him.

And, if his attitude is anything like most skilled martial artists' I've encourntered, he'll think you're an arrogant little punk who doesn't deserve to be taught anything. At my club, there have been people who've tried it on with the senior students or Sifu himself. They rarely come back. I myself got a fist to the guts during a drill for percieved disrespect on my part.

You shouldn't need to fight the guy taking the class to see if he's better than you; it should be obvious.

And, if his attitude is anything like most skilled martial artists' I've encourntered, he'll think you're an arrogant little punk who doesn't deserve to be taught anything.

I'm sure my money's still good to him.

At my club, there have been people who've tried it on with the senior students or Sifu himself. They rarely come back. I myself got a fist to the guts during a drill for percieved disrespect on my part.

So, it's okay for the Sifu to nail you in the gut for percived disrespect. I'm sorry for not adhearing to your "I'm a piece of **** student, your my supreme master" mentality.

If I got nailed in the guts by some ******* Sifu for percieved disrespect, I would leave and not come back. If I was a punk to him and he hit me, it would be a different story.

You shouldn't need to fight the guy taking the class to see if he's better than you; it should be obvious.

I was trying to say that there should be contact between the "master" or whatever name he goes by to help learn what's being taught. I wasn't being serious about fighting the guy.

It pisses me off these masters think they are god and can treat everybody like ****. Maybe they need an ass-whopping to humble them.

I'm sure my money's still good to him.

If that's what's important to him, then he has his priorities wrong, and he shouldn't be teaching the martial arts. In all probability, then, he won't be focusing on passing down the art or teaching you to fight, but on making money. If so, you're at a McDojo learning crap, sorry.


So, it's okay for the Sifu to nail you in the gut for percived disrespect. I'm sorry for not adhearing to your "I'm a piece of **** student, your my supreme master" mentality.

It wasn't Sifu, just a senior student. We had an argument over it the next time we saw each other before class. I see where he was coming from. He was out of line to do that, mainly because the percieved disrespect was the result of him not getting across what he wanted us to do that clearly, but in certain situations his attitude works.

Wew had, for example, a fifteen year old guy who came to our gym for a while last year, who liked sparring with other students a little too much; he almost kicked a mate of mine in the head, for example. That was fine; we though he was a crazy bastard, but oh well...

...then we found out that he was offering to beat people at his school up for money. Other kids could give him fifty bucks and he'd use the martial arts he'd learned at our gym and others to put whoever they wanted hurt onto the curb...

He was taken aside and didn't come back.


If I got nailed in the guts by some ******* Sifu for percieved disrespect, I would leave and not come back. If I was a punk to him and he hit me, it would be a different story.

The problem there is the language/cultural differences we face. When the guy concerned is Chinese and has English as a second language, things become a little different.

I was trying to say that there should be contact between the "master" or whatever name he goes by to help learn what's being taught. I wasn't being serious about fighting the guy.

Good, and I agree. At my club, their often is. Amusingly, last year, my Sifu dislocated my shoulder while demonstrating a move; he was more surprised than me, haha. Damn you loose joints, damn you. :nonono:


It pisses me off these masters think they are god and can treat everybody like ****. Maybe they need an ass-whopping to humble them.

Bloody arrogant Americans... :P

If that's what's important to him, then he has his priorities wrong, and he shouldn't be teaching the martial arts. In all probability, then, he won't be focusing on passing down the art or teaching you to fight, but on making money. If so, you're at a McDojo learning crap, sorry.

I have yet to find a person teach it for free.

The problem there is the language/cultural differences we face. When the guy concerned is Chinese and has English as a second language, things become a little different.

I would have hit him back. If he's in my country and can't speak the language and hits me on account of his lack of knowledge, it's his bad. I'm kind of like your teachers, I don't like being disrespected.

Good, and I agree. At my club, their often is. Amusingly, last year, my Sifu dislocated my shoulder while demonstrating a move; he was more surprised than me, haha. Damn you loose joints, damn you. :nonono:

That sucks. What move was he teaching you?

Bloody arrogant Americans... :P

It's true, that guy that hit you couldn't understand the language and hit you because of his lack of understanding. That gets in the way of learning. His pride is more important than what you have to say, even if it's constructive.

I don't like being under intimidation and threat, especially from a student instructor. I don't buy into the "because you have a different color belt means you can take me". Just because he's been there longer doesn't mean he can hit me when his ego feels threatened.

I would have a serious chip on my shoulder with this guy.

I have yet to find a person teach it for free.

Well, no, because there are expenses...

My club is a non-profit organisation.


I would have hit him back.

And he would have hit you back, and you would have crumpled sobbing.

If he's in my country and can't speak the language and hits me on account of his lack of knowledge, it's his bad.

I am a student at the Chinese Martial Arts Society of New Zealand. It doesn't exactly seem fair to criticise a member there for being more proficient in Chinese, does it? If I don't want to deal with Chinese people, then shouldn't I not try to learn a Chinese martial art?

He speaks English, but imperfectly. As a result, he did not perfectly convey to the class what he wanted us to do in the exercise. I don't want to go into details, but I understand and accept where he was coming from. He was in the wrong, I maintain, but in his position, he was acting as best he could.

He's a good dude, and I respect both his incredible skill in fighting, his dedication to the club and his sense of humour and general friendliness.

I'm kind of like your teachers, I don't like being disrespected.

It seems to me that the greatest barrier to you learning a martial art is your ridiculous ego.

That sucks. What move was he teaching you?

A lock/break. Went from me holding his arm to him holding my arm and me kneeling down. It's all good though; anyone else wouldn't have been hurt by it, just my crazy loose joints...

It's true, that guy that hit you couldn't understand the language and hit you because of his lack of understanding. That gets in the way of learning. His pride is more important than what you have to say, even if it's constructive.

You have no idea what you're talking about.

I don't like being under intimidation and threat, especially from a student instructor. I don't buy into the "because you have a different color belt means you can take me". Just because he's been there longer doesn't mean he can hit me when his ego feels threatened.

I would have a serious chip on my shoulder with this guy.

....and still don't. For one thing, we don't even use belts.

And he would have hit you back, and you would have crumpled sobbing. :eek:

I am a student at the Chinese Martial Arts Society of New Zealand. It doesn't exactly seem fair to criticise a member there for being more proficient in Chinese, does it? If I don't want to deal with Chinese people, then shouldn't I not try to learn a Chinese martial art?

He speaks English, but imperfectly. As a result, he did not perfectly convey to the class what he wanted us to do in the exercise. I don't want to go into details, but I understand and accept where he was coming from. He was in the wrong, I maintain, but in his position, he was acting as best he could.

He's a good dude, and I respect both his incredible skill in fighting, his dedication to the club and his sense of humour and general friendliness.

That's why I said my country, as in America. If you don't want to be around the Chinese, stay away from the Chinese, it's simple. As far as critisizing him for his speach, your his student, you don't speak his language. He doesn't expect you to speak Chinese, it's his problem. It's his responability to teach you, in your native language, whatever that may be.

It seems to me that the greatest barrier to you learning a martial art is your ridiculous ego.

I'm a natural athelte and a good fighter. If you call getting puched in the gut by your instructor because he can't communicate "learning martial arts" well...

I can learn very quickly when it comes to techniques. I know a good amount of them, I come to an art with a basic knowledge of techniques. The only thing preventing me from learning an art is the environment and the teachers. I can't seem to find one that satisfies me, it has nothing to do with my ego.

My rediculous ego is nothing more than the simple rule of being treated like a human being. This isn't ancient China, I don't repect people who don't respect me. This guy is your best friend until you can't understand his talk, then your a target.

You have no idea what you're talking about.

Then why did he hit you?

....and still don't. For one thing, we don't even use belts.

What do you use sashes? How do you become an instructor? Or, better yet, when are you allowed to abuse your fellow students?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know some arts are very hard on their students. I know some Japanese arts are downright abusive to their students. I don't care, I'm not saying it's necessarily a bad thing. If that's your deal fine, more power to you.

How long have you been studying now Joey?

I can learn very quickly when it comes to techniques. I know a good amount of them, I come to an art with a basic knowledge of techniques. The only thing preventing me from learning an art is the environment and the teachers. I can't seem to find one that satisfies me, it has nothing to do with my ego.You should read that over again and really think about it. What I'm getting from that statement is you already know what you want to learn. SO why try to find a teacher? What would be a good teacher in your mind? Someone who recognizes your skill and gives you a black belt when you walk in? Seriously, what would you expect to gain from a martial art? I think you need to examine your expectations and evaluate if you really want to learn a martial art.

Coming up to two years now.


That's why I said my country, as in America.

What does the US have to do with the issue at hand?

If you don't want to be around the Chinese, stay away from the Chinese, it's simple. As far as critisizing him for his speach, your his student, you don't speak his language. He doesn't expect you to speak Chinese, it's his problem. It's his responability to teach you, in your native language, whatever that may be.

You see, you still have absolutely no idea about the situation, and cannot therefore pass comment. In your arrogance, you attempt to do so.

In the class he used to take, we did two main kinds of drill; conditioning work, done at near-full strength and technique work, done more slowly and precisely. The misunderstanding arose, effectively, when I thought a two man drill I was paired with him for was the former when it was the latter. He speaks very good English, but does not, as many don't, understand all the subtleties and nuances of the language.

We began doing the drill, and the first time I blocked his blow, he commented on what I was doing. I interpreted what he said as him telling me I was doing it wrong and should drop the power a little so I could correct it, and tried to do so. He actually meant for me to drop the power entirely and focus solely on technique, but I don't feel that he conveyed that at all well. I knocked his blow aside with still some power; he thought I was intentionally testing him and being an arse (trying to get one up on the instructor, blah, blah, kinda like what you said you wanted to be able to do), and responded in kind.

Things between us are fine now.

Seriously, you claim to have an extensive martial arts background, but the way you blow this tiny incident out of proportion indicates that either you're just talking yourself up or you haven't had much, if any, contact with traditional schools...

I'm a natural athelte and a good fighter. If you call getting puched in the gut by your instructor because he can't communicate "learning martial arts" well...

No, I call stretching, practicing and learning forms and techniques, doing strength work, some weapons work and stances, blah, blah, blah learning martial arts.


I can learn very quickly when it comes to techniques. I know a good amount of them, I come to an art with a basic knowledge of techniques. The only thing preventing me from learning an art is the environment and the teachers. I can't seem to find one that satisfies me, it has nothing to do with my ego.

It sounds more to me like you have an overblown sense of your own ability and are unable to treat your teachers with the respect they deserve, and therefore manage to make all your teachers dislike you intensely.

My rediculous ego is nothing more than the simple rule of being treated like a human being. This isn't ancient China, I don't repect people who don't respect me. This guy is your best friend until you can't understand his talk, then your a target.

Once again, you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Stop making grand unjustifiable assertions.

Then why did he hit you?

Because he thought that I was trying to get one-up on a senior student, blah, blah.

What do you use sashes?

No formal grading system (as yet). We know how good we are, and we don't need to pay extra money for a piece of cloth to show it off.

How do you become an instructor?

When Sifu or one of the senior students asks you to take a class. When do you become good enough to take a class alone? When you teacher says you are. When do you become good enough to call yourself a Sifu? When your teacher and his peers think you deserve to...

The same way it always used to be.

Or, better yet, when are you allowed to abuse your fellow students?

Comments that inane don't deserve a reply.

You should read that over again and really think about it. What I'm getting from that statement is you already know what you want to learn. SO why try to find a teacher? What would be a good teacher in your mind? Someone who recognizes your skill and gives you a black belt when you walk in? Seriously, what would you expect to gain from a martial art? I think you need to examine your expectations and evaluate if you really want to learn a martial art.

The fact is I do know a good deal of they are teaching me.

I want to find a teacher to realize what I don't already know. I want to be tested and challenged.

A good teacher in my mind would be someone who is well versed in martial arts. Someone who is willing to teach me what I need to know. To physically introduce me to my lack of technique. To push me. I want to be challenged. I want to learn how to set my bones and learn special techniques. That's why I say if I was to be a martial artist, it would be all the way. I would devote my life to it. I doubt such a person exists.

No, I have no need for belts or praise. I want to learn.

I would expect to gain an understanding of myself. I want to know what my sprit is capable of. I want to harness my internal energy.

I would be happy to go through the motions of learning things I already know, if I could realize my goals with that art.

Your arrogance is incredible. I sincerely doubt that you know half the things you do. You may be able to roughly approximate a move, but it'll still be imprecise. If you want to learn a martial art, you have to be willing to practice. You have to be willing to accept that it takes a lot of time and effort to perfect a technique, and even though you might think you know it, the chances are that you aren't as good at it as you think.

It sounds more to me like you have an overblown sense of your own ability and are unable to treat your teachers with the respect they deserve, and therefore manage to make all your teachers dislike you intensely.

I have never had an instuctor dislike me. In fact, I have been told I am a natural. I have good repor with people because I am thoughtfull and respectfull.

I am telling you the truth. I am an able person and a good learner.

Bah, you're all talk.

That's the greatest problem I see with you. If you ask most martial artists I've met, they won't tell you what they know, or how good they are, or how easy it was. They'll talk about what they have yet to perfect, what they don't know, what they find hard. A huge part of the internal side of traditional martial arts is humility.

Then I fear you expect far too much from martial arts. Remember, martial artist (even the instructors) are only human. They aren't mythical sages and warrior poets who hold the secret to life. I really feel you won't find success in this area until you realize the limitations of the instructors, and the limitations of martial arts themselves. IMNSHO you should try and seek what you can from others. Everyone has something to teach you. Even a bad instructor can teach you something (even if its only to be more careful about who you choose as a teacher). There is no magic formula, no yoda out there to teach you all there is to know. If you truly want to learn then you must look at yourself honestly, figure out what you want to know, and then seek out that knowledge. NO art is complete, and even the most complete arts are not generally mastered by one man. Anyway, I don't mean to preach, just thought I'd offer some advice from someone who's trying to find his own path...

Bah, you're all talk.

That's the greatest problem I see with you. If you ask most martial artists I've met, they won't tell you what they know, or how good they are, or how easy it was. They'll talk about what they have yet to perfect, what they don't know, what they find hard. A huge part of the internal side of traditional martial arts is humility.Indeed. For everything you think you know, there are a thousand things you don't, and many ways to improve what you think you know.

Your arrogance is incredible. I sincerely doubt that you know half the things you do. You may be able to roughly approximate a move, but it'll still be imprecise. If you want to learn a martial art, you have to be willing to practice. You have to be willing to accept that it takes a lot of time and effort to perfect a technique, and even though you might think you know it, the chances are that you aren't as good at it as you think.

You sincerely doubt, chances are. You have no idea what I can and can't do. You call me crazy and start this argument with me to prove what? Just because I don't doubt my ability like you do, doesn't mean I'm all talk.

I don't want to learn the same punches and kicks and to go through the motions. I don't want to attend a daycare/machismo center. I don't want to pay $100 a month to get a new belt. I want a teacher who knows what I can do and pushes me. I haven't found that yet.

Apparently I'm the bad guy here for expecting a little greateness.

Apparently I'm the bad guy here for expecting a little greateness.
I don't think it makes you bad, I just think it means you're a little unrealistic.

Bah, you're all talk.

That's the greatest problem I see with you. If you ask most martial artists I've met, they won't tell you what they know, or how good they are, or how easy it was. They'll talk about what they have yet to perfect, what they don't know, what they find hard. A huge part of the internal side of traditional martial arts is humility.

Your the one who insults me every chance he gets. You attacked me and said I have a rediculous ego, am a bloddy American, I'm all talk, arrogant, not as good as I think. Your humility is lacking.

When you tell me I have a "rediculous ego" I defend myself by saying I know some martail arts. I was defending myself, you were attacking me. I wasn't going around boasting about how I beat up Jigoro Kano.

I don't think it makes you bad, I just think it means you're a little unrealistic.

By expecting a knowledgeable teacher to push me and teach me?

If you want to learn a martial art, you have to be willing to practice. You have to be willing to accept that it takes a lot of time and effort to perfect a technique, and even though you might think you know it, the chances are that you aren't as good at it as you think.

That's why I said I would devote my life to a learning.

I'm done here. I've quadruple posted

By expecting a knowledgeable teacher to push me and teach me?Well,you have to realize that ma has become big business. So, first you have to sort through all the crappy money grubbers out there. Then you have to realize that there's only a few true masters out there. Then, if you want to find one tht doesn't place much stock in kata's and such, that becomes an extremely small number. Something else to think about, even when Bruce Lee came up with JKD, the intent was that you get the basics down first, then deisregard what isn't useful for you. You can't just skip to the end of the race. You have to lay the foundations before you can build on it. Maybe you've already done that, I don't know. You have to have enough knowledge to understand how to sort through it all. Enough rambling.

What do you want out of martial arts?Really and truly? FRom the first few posts it sounded like you just want to be able to kick someone's ass, but the last few post sounds like you're seeking something more mystical.

What do you want out of martial arts?Really and truly? FRom the first few posts it sounded like you just want to be able to kick someone's ass, but the last few post sounds like you're seeking something more mystical.

I don't want anything out of martial arts. It's all a childs game.

I don't want anything out of martial arts. It's all a childs game.
:scratch: Then why would you be willing to devote your life to it?

:scratch: Then why would you be willing to devote your life to it?

I'm not willing to devote my life to it. I've recently decided to forget about martial arts. I'll spend the money on a spas 12 gauge.

What's a good genre of martial arts for weapons?(mainly bow and katana)
and what's a good genre for flipping?(I know Ju Jitsu is a good one for that)
Any that incorporate both?

I learn silat off a friend of mine (bouncer at a club I used to work for, and ex army sergant). I also learn practical self defense lessions, Such as "however good you think you are at defending yourself, assume anyone attacking you is better, and run if you can", and "if a robber pulls a fun on you, the best way to deal it is give them your purse"

:)

hugs

lilnymph

What's a good genre of martial arts for weapons?(mainly bow and katana)
and what's a good genre for flipping?(I know Ju Jitsu is a good one for that)
Any that incorporate both?Well in Aikido we use the bokken (wooden katana) and the jo (short staff) and a little work on the bo. We've also been known to throw a few people. ;) My school also teaches Iado which is a sword art.

I'm not willing to devote my life to it. I've recently decided to forget about martial arts. I'll spend the money on a spas 12 gauge.Okay.

HERE (http://www.deecken.com/jim/KarateKick.wmv) is one of my brothers, a black belt in karate, doing the breaking the baseball bat with the shin thing that I posted in another thread. The guys holding the bat should have been holding at tighter, but he still managed to break through it.

lilnymph, how fast can you run? ;)

shes doin martial athlethics.

lilnymph, how fast can you run? ;)

Pretty fast when I have too ;)

But you think I should stand and fight do you? ;)

hugs

lilnymph

bump for the n00bs. besides, i've got the bug again, and think i'll start training again. friggin add...:nonono:

bump for the n00bs. besides, i've got the bug again, and think i'll start training again. friggin add...:nonono:
What type of martial arts did you/are you going to train in?

What's the martial arts where you make ninja stars out of sheet metal, and nun-chucks from a broom handle? That's the one I practice.

um, it sounds quite practical. Something like Household-jutsu?

What type of martial arts did you/are you going to train in?well, most recently i studied kuk sool won for two years, and aikido for about 6 months, but i've dabbled my whole life, taking various arts for short periods of time, etc. i will probably go back to aikido, but i'm not 100% decided, as i want something that my daughter and i can take together (well, at the same time really) and i don't know that she'll enjoy it that much.

What's the martial arts where you make ninja stars out of sheet metal, and nun-chucks from a broom handle? That's the one I practice.ahh yes, i believe its called troll fu. :|

ahh yes, i believe its called troll fu. :|
I don't think that was neccessary jwreck.

well, most recently i studied kuk sool won for two years, and aikido for about 6 months, but i've dabbled my whole life, taking various arts for short periods of time, etc. i will probably go back to aikido, but i'm not 100% decided, as i want something that my daughter and i can take together (well, at the same time really) and i don't know that she'll enjoy it that much.
Is there a reason you haven't settled on one school yet?

How old is your daughter, and is she physically inclined?

Is there a reason you haven't settled on one school yet?

How old is your daughter, and is she physically inclined?she's 8, and somewhat physically incline.

there are many reasons i haven't settled on a school. egos, money, philosophy, and intent are some.

ABIR (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ABIR&search=Search) is a biblical Jewish martial art.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2aGALQqmEc

ABIR (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ABIR&search=Search) is a biblical Jewish martial art.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2aGALQqmEc
the techniques look alot like juijustsu. the sword part just looked ridiculous. is that real or a joke?

the techniques look alot like juijustsu. the sword part just looked ridiculous. is that real or a joke?
No, it's very real, look at this picture from 1922 in which his uncles were the boddy guards of the Jordanian king Abdullah, you can see their long dreadlocks:

http://www.nrg.co.il/images/archive/408x322/624/744.jpg

Take a look also at the videos in this page (http://www.nrg.co.il/online/11/ART1/503/311.html)

No, it's very real, look at this picture from 1922 in which his uncles were the boddy guards of the Jordanian king Abdullah, you can see their long dreadlocks:

http://www.nrg.co.il/images/archive/408x322/624/744.jpgbeing a body guard doesn't make you a martial arts master.

Take a look also at the videos in this page (http://www.nrg.co.il/online/11/ART1/503/311.html)
you may not be aware, but i can't read (or speak) hebrew.

being a body guard doesn't make you a martial arts master.
Correct, but his uncles were body guards who were masters in martial arts.

you may not be aware, but i can't read (or speak) hebrew.
And where did I ask you to read what's written there? I told you to look at the videos there, search for 3 small TV screens there and watch it if you want.