All Questions
9
votes
10answers
4k views
How do I increase my wrist strength for punching?
When I throw a punch, sometimes my wrist doesn't stay straight and I run the risk of spraining it. What kind of exercises can I do to strengthen my wrists so that my wrist isn't going to bend when I ...
6
votes
4answers
242 views
Octagonal vs round shaped staff weapons
I just had first lesson in Aikido with Jo and was suppriesed to see that some of the staffs were octagonal and some were round.
Can someone explain what is the difference and if there is any ...
8
votes
6answers
229 views
how to overcome “freeze”?
I have a grading coming up soon and one section of the test involves a series of wrist releases. Uke is supposed to grab me by the wrists several times and I need to display that I know and can ...
13
votes
7answers
730 views
Are martial arts suitable for a busy, IT professional?
I am a 22-year-old IT professional with 5 days work a week (8 hours daily). My office being far from my place I remain out for nearly 12 hours.
I get stressed sometimes because of this schedule, and ...
5
votes
2answers
292 views
Should I learn karate if I had a slip disc problem in past?
I am 20 years old. I had a disc herniation two years ago, before that it was more than 1.5 years. I have been feeling good for the past six months. I do regular exercises and gymming, swimming, little ...
4
votes
3answers
428 views
Wide shoes for martial arts
I have flat, wide feet, and tae kwon do classes are starting to hurt. I'm thinking to try wearing shoes with my running orthotics. Are there specialty martial arts or wrestling shoes that are wide and ...
6
votes
2answers
124 views
Drills for teaching range analysis
One of the things that I spent a lot of time in rapier drilling on were range drills. The essence of a rapier range drill is that there are three fundamental ranges that you frequently find yourself ...
20
votes
6answers
383 views
What martial notation systems exist for describing techniques in writing?
What are some examples of clear ways to describe martial techniques in writing?
I often take notes during and after classes, and occasionally find that I haven't described a particular technique ...
1
vote
3answers
628 views
What features makes a good groin protector?
I previously used a groin protector in kickboxing but that still hurt when you take a kick.
Most groin protectors will not work in Krav Maga, which is very heavy groin-kick oriented. What makes a ...
5
votes
2answers
195 views
Aikido ikkyo variations
I had few inital classes where we have been training ikkyo. And I'm already getting pretty overwhelmed with the variations.
I know that ikkyo is usually followed by the attack name, and than it is ...
4
votes
1answer
96 views
Ten Chin or Tein Chien or something else?
Ten chin or Ttein Chien I'm not sure of transliterated spelling, is the footwork
where one foot replaces another/one moves back and the opposite forward,
It should one of the four fundamental primary ...
10
votes
4answers
171 views
Avoiding breath lockups
I am beginner at aikido and when I train, for some reason I tend to hold my breath when I should be exhaling. Mostly during falls and techniques where I'm nage.
Is there a way to get rid of this bad ...
4
votes
1answer
127 views
Force with a spear
When working with a rapier you use a very light touch, not just for safety reasons within the rules, but because that is entirely sufficient to kill someone and if you go any harder you are likely to ...
4
votes
5answers
295 views
Relaxation Techniques
On training I hear all the time the world "relax" and "loose your self" etc.
From what I have see you must be relax to do anything, from martial arts to dancing, to talk.
So my question is very ...
2
votes
3answers
313 views
What are some options for escaping full mount in BJJ?
I know the two most fundamental escapes: the "buck and roll" (upa) to and the shrimping knee-push guard recovery (in which you buck onto your side, push down on knee to get half guard, and work from ...
3
votes
0answers
78 views
Where can I find display cases for Chinese Martial Arts weapons?
A colleague of mine will inherit her grandfather's collection of Chinese Martial Arts weapons including a number of swords. They would like to display these weapons, since they have both sentimental ...
1
vote
0answers
164 views
Choosing the right one for self-defense purpose? [closed]
I would like to choose a martial art for self-defense. I learned Karate when I was in middle school, but I don't think I'm good at punching or striking with power. I think I have great body ...
3
votes
5answers
433 views
If I'm worried about concussions, should I train tae kwon do, or karate, or neither?
I am 16 years old, and I am interested in martial arts. The most popular schools in India teach Tae Kwon Do and Karate.
I wish to avoid something that may cause severe brain damage or concussion. I ...
4
votes
8answers
511 views
Do shin guards defeat the purpose of training?
I'm into Ninjutsu. We have just started some boxing + kicking: Gloves, mouth guards. I'm speaking "friendly" here - this is in-house sparring, not MMA competition.
So, the instructor has recommended ...
4
votes
2answers
159 views
How can a teacher recognize that a student has progressed from 'ha' to 'ri'?
The Japanese use the concept of Shu, ha, ri to indicate progress in development/growth. Straight from its WikiPedia page, Aikido shihan Endou Seishirou said:
It is known that, when we learn or ...
2
votes
0answers
201 views
Are martial arts practice weapons regulated? [closed]
I was curious at what point weapons used in various martial arts are (generally) regulated in the US--I know people need concealed carry permits to carry swords and knives of a certain length in some ...
5
votes
3answers
297 views
What is the cause for Northern and Southern Chinese kung fu differences?
When I hear anyone talk about a specific Chinese martial art, it falls into either a Northern Chinese or Souther Chinese style. I have learned that the general differences between the Northern and ...
0
votes
3answers
160 views
War is a continuation of policy/politics/diplomacy by other means
I don't think it can be argued that what we are doing is the study of conflict (this sentence is true on many levels and gets funnier the more levels you go up).
Is it proper to limit one's study ...
0
votes
4answers
136 views
Should political/religious discussions be allowed inside the training place?
Most schools do not allow discussions about current political events/people and current religious events/people as a matter of fact: things can get ugly if people can't keep their opinions in check.
...
0
votes
3answers
178 views
How can I deal with the impressive number of charlatan teachers in Italy?
Since I was young, martial arts have triggered my interest, and lately I attended some "try one for free" lessons in various gyms in my town. I come from a competitive level in a totally different ...
5
votes
2answers
150 views
What's the difference between Iaijutsu and Iaido?
For what I've been found, this two arts have some similarities, but I can't fully understand it, this is pretty much the definition of each.
Iaido: The art of sword drawing. All katas begin and end ...
3
votes
4answers
293 views
how to perform a reverse punch?
Where I used to train, I was taught a reverse punch was performed with the opposite fist to the forward leg, while stepping forwards.
So, for example, if I stepped forwards into a left hand front ...
8
votes
6answers
460 views
Bad boxing club or wrong idea of the sport?
I have done a boxing-for-starters class in a nearby club and after that joined the club for the regular training. As I really enjoyed the sport and got into sparring the fun faded because my sparring ...
5
votes
8answers
342 views
Are there musical instruments which, when practiced, noticeably increase martial arts skills and performance?
Martial arts movies suggest that some musical instruments (drums, for example) are particularly well suited and matched with martial arts practice.
Is there any truth to this claim? Which instruments ...
3
votes
3answers
148 views
How should my 8-year-old defend against a leg trip (kosotogake) in BJJ?
My 8 year old son has been doing BJJ for a couple of months now. He keeps getting taking down by this simple maneuver: opponent's leg behind your leg trip.
Are the options just to sprawl out on time ...
3
votes
2answers
318 views
What is the most effective way to stabilize a WaveMaster 2XL?
Obviously, the WaveMaster series of standing bags from Century will never be as stable as a ceiling mounted heavy bag with a floor anchor. However, for many home gyms, the WaveMaster 2XL is a ...
2
votes
2answers
171 views
Proper diet for preparing for a tournament
I'm currently getting ready for a TKD tournament in September (ITF-based, sport/light contact sparring and forms). As part of the training, I'm trying to ensure that I'm keeping a diet that maintains ...
1
vote
1answer
67 views
Should I arch my back in a butterfly kick?
I don't have a problem with the takeoff and landing of my butterfly kick, but various people have suggested different way to perform the kick. Usually when I do the kick, I launch my lower body ...
5
votes
2answers
925 views
What submissions are not allowed in competitive Judo?
After watching a number of matches during the Olympics it seemed like a lot of opportunities for submissions weren't even pursued.
In the matches I observed I only saw two legitimate submission ...
9
votes
7answers
526 views
How can I improve my teaching of ukemi or break falling?
How can I improve teaching forward and flip (kote gaeshi and sumi otoshi for those that know what it looks like) breakfalls? I have been teaching those for a while and students do pick them up and ...
18
votes
11answers
1k views
Why do martial artists “shout” in the execution of a technique?
When I see people doing forms, participate in competitions, or break blocks of concrete or wood with their hands, they are always vocally expressive in what they are about to do. What names do this ...
10
votes
2answers
500 views
Should I train differently to spar guys who are bigger than me?
I am a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I have a few tournaments coming up and I am training in my sparring techniques. I am 12 years old with 2 national sparring championships (and on the ...
6
votes
4answers
2k views
How bad is kickboxing for your brain?
I'm not asking for medical advice, I'm just asking this out of sheer curiosity:
To me it seems that kickboxing is the best kind of workout I could get, nothing else gets me in shape quite as quickly ...
9
votes
2answers
676 views
How do I increase flexibility to achieve a full split?
I am 21 years of age. I have been learning taekwondo for a year. However, I am still unable to achieve a complete split. What are exercises that I can do to increase my flexibility to reach a complete ...
3
votes
8answers
224 views
What can one do to avoid entering a grappling situation?
Let's work with the following assumptions:
I have good awareness of the area
I have good mobility: the floor is not slippery, and my shoes work, and I have room to move
I need to avoid grappling in ...
7
votes
3answers
325 views
Shoulder brace for Judo?
I've got a combination of neck and shoulder injuries on my left side. Neck from being spiked, shoulder from an americana and a west point ride suplex. I've definitely got weakness in my rotator cuff. ...
3
votes
4answers
186 views
How do I keep the bo staff from moving off centre as I train in twirling it?
I'm practicing Yuan-style Tai-Chi, and I'm having difficulty keeping the bo staff from moving off centre as I twirl it - I consistently find my hold slightly to one end or another after a series of ...
5
votes
6answers
218 views
How to train to avoid target fixation?
One problem I've seen in myself and others at various stages of training is a tendency to become fixated on a particular target or technique when fighting. The tendency to focus on only a handful of ...
4
votes
1answer
188 views
Can a Judo athlete compete in more than one weight class in the Olympics?
I am specifically speaking about the London 2012 games. I am not asking if any athletes are doing this, just whether it is technically permitted.
Wikipedia says nothing, but this was allowed in ...
1
vote
3answers
141 views
How many (and what) things have I failed to do if I get into a fight?
Basically every answer I've ever read that involves a "real-world" situation begins with "If you got into a fight, your training already failed you". I know - I gave a couple of those answers.
So, ...
3
votes
3answers
145 views
AiKiDo - is there a good translation for all the terms?
I find it extremely difficult to memorise all terms - there is no connection to me with them. Is there a good german or english translation for all terms used in AiKiDo?
5
votes
5answers
1k views
How can you practice wrist locks/grappling holds without a partner?
The problem I have is that I have class once a week, and the class is small. Striking techniques, and overall one-step sparring techniques I can practice at home and in the air. Grappling, ...
4
votes
3answers
749 views
Why is Krav Maga expensive?
I've trained in several martial arts over the years. During that time, I've paid less ($60/mo) or more ($150/mo) depending on the area, skill level of the teachers, etc.
However, I'm noticing an odd ...
3
votes
3answers
857 views
How to get fit (again) for Judo
So, I've started doing Judo again after 8 years abstinence (I'm 28 now) and I really suck fitness wise and technical wise. Unfortunatly we only have training once a week which is probably not enough ...
1
vote
3answers
378 views
Established “curriculum” for MMA?
I'm basically asking for an established MMA "curriculum". By that, I mean a way of training students for mixed martial arts that has been applied successfully by a significant number of schools. The ...
