1. What is your name/age/location?
Chuck/28/Colorado
2. What forms do you do? Why did you choose that form or forms?

Mainly Kung Fu San Soo, will be 3 years in October, the art appealed to me with it's approach to no rules in a fight, and it's diverse approach and training to deal with attacks. Boxing - has been an interest and passion since my youth, recently getting back into it with a local gym.

Wrestling - done in junior high and high school. some previous study (fairly limited) in Shotokan (grade school and high school, Okinawan martial arts have a special place for me), Pencak Silat - wanted to experience other arts, began taking a couple lessons at many arts in my area, Krav Maga - another art to try out, BJJ - another art, added some new approaches and options to compliment my wrestling, Arnis and Limalama - offered by a mainly Kempo studio - though only forms offered :( , Kyokushin - good exposure to sparring and working on my kicking game. Kick Boxing - another limited exposure, good development of kicking & punching combinations. Kempo - another art to experience and try, Wing Chun - another art to try - has helped me with hand work, Tae Kwon Do - another art to try, helped me with kicking. My current goals are continuing to develop myself into a well rounded fighter, and to turn my weaknesses into strengths/develop weak areas in myself. I am looking forward to trying Aikido and Judo.

3. Do you have a signiture move?
not really

4. What Dojo?
San Soo Kung Fu

5. Have any Belts? Do you compete?
testing for green belt later this month in San Soo. my only competition has been amatuer boxing, wrestling in school (long ago).

6. Scale of 1-10 how passionate are you about fighting and why? Is it your life? Is it your path? Why are you here?

I would rate my passion level at a 13, I am highly internally motivated, and find inspiration and ways to grow as a martial artist in everywhere. It is not necessarily my life, but a way to live my life, a way to value life. It's a large part of my path, maybe the glasses I wear, the shoes I walk with, etc. I'm here to meet others with passion and interest in martial arts, and to share and have good discussions.

7. Looking For a Fight?
no.

I found some body weights that can be carried under regular clothing. This is my review of them.
Pictures are at the following gallery: http://trevoke.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=12

Here are the different options, with first the size, then the weight. To figure out which size is good for you, measure the widest part of your forearm or leg.

Arm, Small / Medium: 8" - 11" ; 2lb 12oz
Arm, Large / Extra-Large: 11" - 14" ; 3lb 7oz
Leg, Small: 11"15 - 13" ; 2lb 13oz
Leg, Medium: 13" - 14"5 ; 4lb 6oz
Leg, Large: 14"5 - 16" ; 5lb 0oz
Leg, Extra-Large: 16" - 18" ; 6lb 13oz

I measured and bought pairs. My calves are ~17" around so I bought XL legs, and my arms were a teeny bit over 11" so I bought the L/XL arms. The arms were a mistake, I should have taken the size below, I think. I'd need to build muscle to hold them well.

I wore a set (arms + legs) for a full day at work with minor or nil inconvenience (I was just a little hungrier than usual). I used them for running and jumping rope. They support non-sudden movements very, very well, and the leg weights did nothing unexpected or annoying doing the rope jumping.
I study isshinryu, which is a system which uses speed and snap in its strikes. The leg weights did fine in the kicking tests, but during the punching tests, the weights all crumpled up in a lump close to my wrist. It's better if I wear something like a tennis sweatband close to my elbow to hold the weights there.

Men, put your egos at the door - I purchased them at a website called 'As we change', for women's fitness.
Arms
Legs

I don't think they really are meant for muscle-building, more for calorie-burning, but they can be used during regular training under your uniform. I will keep experimenting with them, and I would appreciate ideas as far as things to try with them on :-)

1. What is your name/age/location? KT/28/Northern VA, 5 mils from DC

2. What forms do you do? Why did you choose that form or forms? New to Kung Fu, currently trying to learn the 24 steps to Chu Chi Chen. I chose Kung Fu because I enjoy watching people compete, and it looks like a good workout and confidence builder.

3. Do you have a signiture move? Not yet, lol

4. What Dojo? White Birch

5. Have any Belts? Do you compete? White Belt(lol) and no

6. Scale of 1-10 how passionate are you about fighting and why? Is it your life? Is it your path? Why are you here? Im not so much passionate about fighting, as I am passionate about becoming more disciplined, and confident. I'm tired of being the one to see someone do something, and think, "Oh, I couldnt do that." I cant rank it, really. I just want to stop being afraid to try, stop being afraid I wont be good enough, and to quit putting myself in a box of things I cannot do.

7. Looking For a Fight? no, but someone I could practice with and get guidance from in between classes would be great!

I recently graduated Highschool, the Monday after getting done with school (as in a week before yesterday) I told myself, "no more excuses", meaning it was time to get in shape. At 5' 8" and 265, I'm not what you would call healthy. I have the heart condition and acid reflux to prove it. Anyway, since then I have been going to cardio kickboxing classes at my dojo/karate studio. It is a good hard workout. What I want to know, is if anybody knows of any good drinks/supplements/vitamins/bars that go good with a workout. I've already asked my instructor who suggested low-fat cottage cheese within 20 minuets and eating the bigger meal in the morning. So am I am just looking for additional suggestions.

I got the body togs today. I'm preparing some pictures. The saga continues :)
I wore them for ~4 hours today and didn't notice, nor did I notice I took them off. They -are- weights though, but they are very close to the body and spread very well, so that it almost feels like a part of your body instead of an extraneous weight.
More later.. :)

I found some body weights that may fit. In the interest of science, and maybe of everyone here, I'm gonna purchase a set of leg weights and a set of arm weights.. And let you know how I feel about them :)

My problem: I need to find the XL size for my legs..

http://www.bodytogs.com/about.htm

I found a place that sold them, but not the XL size!
http://www.sportsunlimitedinc.com/bodytogs-wearable-weights-leg-pair.html
http://www.sportsunlimitedinc.com/bodytogs-wearable-weights-arm-pair.html

Another issue is that they must ship to the US... Please let me know if you find out a good place to buy those.

Does anybody know of body weights (wrist weights, leg/ankle weights, waist weights...) that are magically thin enough to be worn under clothing at one's average 9-5 job?

Image above made by flickr user simulacre.

Attitudes to Ji-geiko - Part 1.
Sotaro Honda PHd, University of Gloucestershire, British Squad Coach.

Introduction.

Ji-geiko is the core part of Keiko in Kendo. In Ji-geiko, we (Kendo-ka) can try to use Waza(techniques) in unrestricted situations. We can also learn and acquire what we need to do before we attack (Seme) or how to react to an opponents Seme (intention and attack). Through Ji-geiko, moreover, we can recognise what Waza we are, or are not good at and ones Ji-geiko can lead us to the next Kihon-geiko and Ji-geiko and what we need to work on for our technical progression. It also gives us ways to developing our skills and spirit as proper Kendo-ka.

If we approach Ji-geiko in the wrong way such as focusing only on beating an opponent, we cannot expect real development as proper Kendo-ka in the future. It is important, therefore, to engage in Ji-geiko with the correct understanding.

Therefore the purpose of this article (part 1) is to re-examine what Ji-geiko should be and to present some useful material for Kendo-ka in future Keiko. It starts with an examination of the relationship between Kihon-geiko, Kata-geiko and Ji-geiko followed by an examination of how Ji-geiko should be practised.

Continue reading about Ji-geiko in English...

P.S. You are welcome to join the new LJ Kendo community Kendo_lv

Hello all! I'm obviously new to the community as well as a newbie to martial arts. I have been a fencer for years, but have always had a love of the martial arts. On a whim, I decided to sign up for a free class at my local United Studios of Self Defense which I'm taking later today. I have read through several online reviews and it seems people either like USSD or hate them. I went to Bullshido and was unable to find anything on them in the school listings. Has anyone here had any experience with them? Any thoughts or comments on them?


Thanks!

" In Go and Shogi, which are both traditional Japanese board games,
there is the concept of “Kurai wo takaku toru” or “Taking the high position”
which is believed to be ideal for offense. Similarly in Kendo, “Ten no Kurai”,
the position of the heavens has been used for a long time. The primary feature
of Jodan is that the position of the shinai is held up high, and the very
strong striking power and potential that comes from this position. These
aspects must be focused on "

If you are intrested in reading more about the Jodan stance in Kendo, you can download the whole Jodan no Kamae manual with english text and picures by visiting this link. Enjoy.

P.S. For all those intrested in kendo - there was a new kendo community opened in LJ called kendo_lv
Its a russian/english community for all people intrested not only in kendo, but also in kyudo, jodo and iaido ! You are welcome to join us.

I'm going to start incorporating running in my hopefully daily routine.
I went running for the first time today, ... There's room for improvement.
After a while, my lower gingiva started to hurt (underneath the teeth, the side closest to the lips). I know the question 'is that normal' is trite, but ... Well.. Why does it happen, anybody know? How do I stop the pain, besides not run?

I've been doing some research online about various internal styles, and came across this Taichi Chuan website purporting to be 100% Chi-Free. The basic gist is that Chi is an archaic concept and shouldn't be used anymore, and that rather than using the nebulous concept of Chi, the instructor teaches purely by physical body mechanics, timing, and posture.

My goal is to start a discussion about the utility of Chi/Ki/Prana and see what other opinions there are. I will give my own answers in a follow-up reply. Particularly, I'd like to know what everyone thinks. Do you believe in Chi/Ki/energies? Is there a place for Chi, or is it outdated? Does it hinder understanding more than it helps?

Another point I want to touch on is the role of religion in the martial arts. The author of the site that I listed above also linked to this article, which (to put it as neutrally as possible) warns against the teaching of martial arts philosophy. How do martial arts philosophies (meditation, breathing, visualization, bowing, etc) affect you religiously? Do you ever find your martial arts teachings at odds with your religious teachings?

Hello everyone!  Yay I'm glad I found some others who love martial arts.  I love wushu mostly especially with weapons, and I love watching martial arts shows and exhibitions.  My new favorite thing to watch is Karma Kula Mystic Warrior, an online show full of martial arts action and adventure.  It's still only in the beginning, with two episodes and the third coming out on the 8th of this month, but it keeps getting better and I can't wait for the next episode.  If you wanna watch it (trust me, you wanna) you can check out the Karma Kula website, Openfilm, or YouTube.  Here:

http://karmakula.ign.com/media-press/
http://karmakula.ign.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NeOl98doAU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n60JS311zM
http://www.openfilm.com/channels/theninjaigang/

I just started training Chinese Kempo and have found it to be immensely gratifying, both because the art suits me and my Sifu is one hell of a guy. He also has a varied background in numerous arts (Kajukenbo, Pierce Method Gung Fu, Japanese Ju Jitsu, American Open Style Karate, etc.) and every class is an adventure. What I've come across lately, though, is a Kempo 'impostor' teaching a watered-down version of Kempo. I did some more research and found this guy to be pretty fake. He can't tell you where he trained or who he trained under, but by goodness he can claim 'so-ke' 10th Dan Grandmaster in some art he invented. His certification is signed by Klaus Schumacher, who I understand to be one of the biggest fakes in the martial arts community. He 'trades' rank to his friends, giving rank where it should be earned. Do any of you know of other martial arts 'fakes' that are ruining that which we love? I'd be interested in hearing your stories.

It's a martial arts manga (korean, I believe) called 'Veritas'.
You can read some of it at www.onemanga.com - fan translations. As usual, if you like the work, support the author and artist, who I believe are doing an awesome job with this one.. Buy the manga!

I had a question for you guys concerning the effectiveness of katas in martial arts training. How effective are they for learning how to fight? The traditional view is that katas teach you muscle memory so that in a fight you will react and use part of the kata for self defense. Bruce Lee (and others) threw out katas as well as other traditions he thought were useless. I would have to say that I lean more towards Bruce's opinion. I do think katas are useful in that they teach you flexibility, stamina, speed and agility, and maybe it is a good way to learn how to throw the strikes contained in the kata as well, but I don't really buy the explanation that during a fight you will react and use part of your kata in self defense. What do you guys think? Thanks for your input.

I wrote a blog entry about the martial arts and the advantage to studying different forms.


please check it out and leave feedback.

Do any of you think that any traditional martial arts masters of any single martial art could be able to stand up to mixed martial artists who fight in the UFC? Thoughts, arguments, experiences, etc.?

I've done traditional Karate, White Crane Kung Fu, and Chen Taiji Chuan for most of my life. For the past 2 years or so various work and family issues have prevented me from training regularly. Recently, I've been getting back into training ever since the Chinese New Year. Right now I'm attending a Jujitsu dojo and really enjoying it. However, I'm really missing having a heavy-bag around. I'm worried that doing only punching/kicking at the air in my house might end up messing up my distancing and timing.

So I've been thinking about sweet-talking my wife into letting me buy either a Wavemaster-type stand-up bag or a compact heavy bag-stand of some kind.

Has anybody had any experience with working with these bags? How are they at durability? Any good drills to work on timing/distancing with a stationary bag?

Keep in mind that I'm not a boxer and don't want to be. I'll probably be doing some Karate type front-punch and reverse-punch combos, some hook punches and short chain-punches, maybe some open-hand strikes. I'd also like practice various kick techniques: front, side, round-house, hook, spinning back, maybe a switch kick. I probably won't be trying to beat the stuffing out of these bags, but I would like to hit with medium power enough to stop somebody in a real fight.

On an unrelated note: Has anyone bought or seen any of the DVD's or materials from Elastic Steel? I found a lot of his videos on youtube and other similar websites. They seem pretty good. He's very technical and I like that he breaks down the physiological mechanics of various kicking techniques. I thought about the DVD's but they are pretty pricey for me right now, but I thought that I might save that up as a christmas present for myself. If anyone else is interested maybe we can do some kind of buy-and-share thing.

I need to purchase a new heavyweight gi. Where do you guys get yours from? Any particular recommended brands?

I received this from an organization in TX that is running these muay thai smokers. They are looking for fighters, if anyone is interested.

Had my first actual fight in a boxing tournament today. I didn't win, and I'm a little disappointed about that, but I'm ready to get back in Saturday (muay thai sparring event) and see if I've learned from this experience.

My question for the forum: For those who engage in full-contact sparring - what do you remember most about your first fight? What stayed with you afterwards? What was it like?

Could anyone recommend any good on-line sources of information on effective ways for school kids to deal with bullying?  Any other information or advice you've found helpful would be good too.

(This isn't for any current situation, just something i'd like to have more knowledge about for when it does come up)

Hey, if anyone is interested, I have posted some photos on my blog page from a muay thai sparring event in San Antonio this weekend. Don't know how many Texas fighters there are here, but I know the school (Shadow Fist Muay Thai) is trying to raise awareness of muay thai as a separate discipline from boxing and MMA, and is always looking for schools to come and spar. Next one will be held in about 6 weeks.

Alright, this semester I'm doing my big junior research project on the globalization of martial arts, and I have a survey since a big part of my research is determining how martial arts are perceived by everyone. I'd really appreciate it if you guys would take the time to answer it. Even if you think you don't know much about martial arts, don't let that stop you from answering, since I would like to hear from EVERYONE, not just other martial artists. Thanks, guys!

( Questions )

How long will we stand this, keeping silence or becoming angry in a circle of acquaintance?

1. What is your name/age/location? : Alex. 22. Baltimore and Beijing/Hangzhou.

2. What forms do you do? Xingyi, occasionally some Taiji.

3. Do you have a signiture move? : I love Xingyi's half-step smashing fist, the move invented by Guo Yunshen when he was in prison.

4. What Dojo? : Beijing Milun Traditional Wushu School in Beijing.

5. Have any Belts? Do you compete? : No to both. I don't see the point of belts. My teacher just told me to tell people I'm a black belt since it's easier than giving a lengthy explanation. Also, I don't compete because, personally, I'm just not interested in it.

6. Scale of 1-10 how passionate are you about fighting and why? Fighting, not so much. I used to be very aggressive all the time, but since I started doing internal arts that changed drastically and I'm basically Daoist now. But is it my life? Absolutely. I've lived in China for two years so far training and in university studying the globalization of martial arts and I consider martial arts to be a huge part of my life.

7. Looking For a Fight?: Not at all. I train for personal discipline and health, and a little bit for self-defense, but not because I like fighting.


Anyway, I've got a question for you guys. I applied for an internship in D.C. this summer, and there's a good chance I'm going to get it, I think. So far I haven't been able to find a good place to train when I'm in the states, and it'd be nice to have a place for after work this summer. Does anyone know of a school in downtown DC (like, near the J. Edgar Hoover building, preferably, though the subway is good so I wouldn't mind going to Chinatown) that offers Xingyi, or even Bagua? Xingyi would be ideal, but I do need to get around to studying Bagua at some point, too, so that would also be good. And I'd rather not deal with intensely Western belt system-based hierarchical schools that put all the stress on getting the next meaningless belt, if possible. Thanks!

1. What is your name/age/location? : My name is Miriam, I'm almost 25 years old, and I live in Ottawa, Canada.

2. What forms do you do? Why did you choose that form or forms? : I practice karate, specifically a blend of shotokan and chito-ryu. I chose it because I was bored one day watching karate before my kickboxing class, and I figured, hey, I could do that...and I still remembered my crush on the white ranger when I was a kid from MMPR. I've been taking karate now for about a year and three months.

3. Do you have a signiture move? : No, not really, but my sensei says my heian nidan and seisan katas are my strongest.

4. What Dojo? : Douvris Martial Arts

5. Have any Belts? Do you compete? : Right now green belt, but on the 22nd I'm testing for my blue belt. I only compete in in-house tournaments, which are twice a year.

6. Scale of 1-10 how passionate are you about fighting and why? Is it your life? Is it your path? Why are you here? : I'm not in it so much for the fighting, but for the self-discipline and confidence karate gives me. Doesn't mean I don't enjoy my sparring class, I do, but I prefer kata, and teaching. Overall though, I'm definately at a 10 for my passion for karate.

7. Looking For a Fight?: Nope. :)

1. What is your name/age/location?

Devin/24/Washington DC

2. What forms do you do? Why did you choose that form or forms?

Been studying since I was a preteen. Past six years doing Gracie Jiujitsu. Chose it for its effectiveness, cerebralness (is that a word) and creativity.

3. Do you have a signiture move?

Ankle Locks

4. What Dojo?

Studied at Relson Gracie Austin. Teaching out of LA Boxing VA since I moved.

5. Have any Belts? Do you compete?

Purple. And yes.

6. Scale of 1-10 how passionate are you about fighting and why? Is it your life? Is it your path? Why are you here?

8. Enjoy it immensely. Here for conversation and debate.

7. Looking For a Fight?

Sure.

1. What is your name/age/location?
Laura / 22 / Bogota, Colombia

2. What forms do you do? Why did you choose that form or forms?
I practice WTF Tae Kwon Do. Honestly I only attended a class out of curiosity, but it took over my life. Heh.

3. Do you have a signiture move?
I used to when I began. For some reason I couldn't manage to do a single circular kick without falling on my face, so I did a lot of push kicks in sparring... and sent a good deal of people rolling backwards and hitting walls.

4. What Dojo?
No Dojo; I train at my university's facilities

5. Have any Belts? Do you compete?
I should probably test for yellow before the end of this month, but I'd rather wait until I test for advanced yellow in june. I have attended tournaments before but something always comes in the way and I never get to fight! ARGH!

6. Scale of 1-10 how passionate are you about fighting and why? Is it your life? Is it your path? Why are you here?
I'm going through a difficult time right now, being forced to search a new Dojang and a new Sabonim, but I've grown to really love Tae Kwon Do and I'm willing to do what it takes to keep learning the art. I'll give myself a six because I failed to find the drive to go on within myself after I realized that the person I used to call my Master cared only for the money he was getting for teaching.

7. Looking For a Fight?
Sure. But be gentle!

Greetings all:

It's been few weeks since I've been in the dojo due to lack of funds and other issues. My body doesnt feel how it should and its driving me crazy. My homeboy who I trained with even when we were not at the dojo has moved. So now I feel super out of shape. I am trying to get bacl to dojo. I'm kind of embarassed and know I have to do better. But i love martial arts so much  I know im going back not this saturday, but the next one. I hope my body will be as ready as my heart and mind............i am feeling like a super loser.