Martial Arts Buffs Unite!

[Fiddler]

Okay, since I've got a rare break from work, here's the clarion call:



Are you into Karate? Tae Kwon Do? Tae Bo? Jiu Jitsu? Aikido? Kendo? Bo Jitsu? Nijitsu? Kalaripayta? Wu Shu? T'ai Chi? Wing Chun? Jeet Kune Do? Post up and let the rest of us know!



Special invitations: Ctrl Alt Del, Alexis and Johnny.



Anyone else? Please to feel free!



Please note: No Hara Kiri allowed...

[CtrlAltDel]

Special invitations: Ctrl Alt Del...

thanX Fidd...i used to be a Blue Belt in Karate - Shotokan. i am still crazy abt martial arts. right now not pursuing anything seriously, tho i practise some Tai Chi (Yang version only) every morning along with my daily workout.



i'd love to start training seriously....can u suggest some good masters/institutes in twin cities.....by "good" i mean "certified" n recognized.



any of the arts wud do, provided the Sensei is good.

[ZC]

...i used to be a Blue Belt in Karate - Shotokan.

what do u mean by USED TO BE

[Fiddler]

i'd love to start training seriously....can u suggest some good masters/institutes in twin cities.....by "good" i mean "certified" n recognized. any of the arts wud do, provided the Sensei is good.

I know a couple of good Senseis, but the problem is always with the timing of the classes. There're hardly any martial arts classes geared to the corporate lifestyle.



There's a class that happens every day at 5:30 pm at SR Nagar, Ameerpet. It's got the best master I've seen (I learnt from him, needless to say). Problem is just the time...



Personally, I've done Budokan Karate, an offshoot of Shotokan. It's less traditional and more sport-oriented, but it was a load of fun. However, ippudu touch ledu...



What I really want to learn is Aikido, but I've not been able to find a place that teaches it...

[CtrlAltDel]

what do u mean by USED TO BE

that was 10 yers ago babu, ippudu touch ledu, as Fidd said. so even tho i have the certificate and darkened knuckles to prove my Blue Belt status, its not right to claim to be one....

[ZC]

what do u mean by USED TO BE

that was 10 yers ago babu, ippudu touch ledu, as Fidd said. so even tho i have the certificate and darkened knuckles to prove my Blue Belt status, its not right to claim to be one....

it sounded like...they give u a Blue Belt and take it away after a year

[CtrlAltDel]

I know a couple of good Senseis, but the problem is always with the timing of the classes. There're hardly any martial arts classes geared to the corporate lifestyle.There's a class that happens every day at 5:30 pm

...hah...that guy must be targetting the unemployed, students, housewives n retired persons only...i prefer early morning and finish class by 7-7:30 am and preferbaly in secbad only

What I really want to learn is Aikido

...ya thats a good art....years ago there used to be Kung Fu at secbad YMCA: the Shi Shi Chi academy and the sensei Shahrukh Driver, used to teach at our school for a year. that was when i was in 10th, but didnt get past white belt .

[Fiddler]

years ago there used to be Kung Fu at secbad YMCA: the Shi Shi Chi academy and the sensei Shahrukh Driver, used to teach at our school for a year.

I've heard of him. Too sensationalist for my taste. Used to do the whole hocus-pocus-martial-arts-magic stuff to impress students.



However, I've heard of a Nijutsu academy in Nampally, near Ek-Minar. A cousin went there for a year and showed me some moves. That's real killer stuff man. That art takes the word self-defense seriously! Makes sure the defendee doesn't get a second chance. I'm talking broken bones and dislocated joints here. Even their sparring is no-holds barred. Scary stuff!

[Fiddler]

what do u mean by USED TO BE

that was 10 yers ago babu, ippudu touch ledu, as Fidd said. so even tho i have the certificate and darkened knuckles to prove my Blue Belt status, its not right to claim to be one....

I know how it is man I don't even have the callused knuckles left, though my punching bag gets a workout every now and then...

[Fiddler]

Just an independent thought:



Whatever we've learnt/are learning/will learn in our martial arts classes notwithstanding, would we really be able to effectively defend ourselves in a real-life situation? What I'm getting at is the thought that the unpredictability of a situation with absolutely no rules might just counteract whatever training a person has had, since that training has taken place in a rigidly structured environment, with clearly defined and strictly enforced rules.



What say?

[ZC]

Just an independent thought:

Whatever we've learnt/are learning/will learn in our martial arts classes notwithstanding, would we really be able to effectively defend ourselves in a real-life situation? What I'm getting at is the thought that the unpredictability of a situation with absolutely no rules might just counteract whatever training a person has had, since that training has taken place in a rigidly structured environment, with clearly defined and strictly enforced rules.

What say?

depends on presence of mind and ..........having that natural ability

[CtrlAltDel]

I've heard of him. Too sensationalist for my taste. Used to do the whole hocus-pocus-martial-arts-magic stuff to impress students.

maybe...we kids were mighty impressed by him!

However, I've heard of a Nijutsu academy in Nampally, near Ek-Minar.

i heard abt it too? but sadly its too far for me....i prefer in secbad area

[CtrlAltDel]

Whatever we've learnt/are learning/will learn in our martial arts classes notwithstanding, would we really be able to effectively defend ourselves in a real-life situation? What I'm getting at is the thought that the unpredictability of a situation with absolutely no rules might just counteract whatever training a person has had, since that training has taken place in a rigidly structured environment, with clearly defined and strictly enforced rules.

hmmmmmm.....i dont think we'll be able to defend ourself 100% successfully coz as u said the training environment is different. but i am sure we can hurt the attacker and break a few bones, even tho we might get hurt too...

[Fiddler]

hmmmmmm.....i dont think we'll be able to defend ourself 100% successfully coz as u said the training environment is different. but i am sure we can hurt the attacker and break a few bones, even tho we might get hurt too...

Attack is the best form of defense, I always say. Hit the bugger first, and hit him hard, so that he doesn't have the chance to hit you back. But then again, how hard is hard enough? I mean, say you hit him so hard that you do really major damage, then what? I think the use of deadly force is justfied only when you're in a situation where it's either him or you. That's one of the reasons why I didn't go to that Ninjutsu place: what if I really hurt the chap badly without meaning to?



So there are two possibilities to the situation:

1) You're not effective enough and receive major damage

2) You're too effective and do major damage



I think I'd choose the latter, but then I'd have to live with the guilt of screwing up his life... Hmmm.

[CtrlAltDel]

Attack is the best form of defense

i think that goes against the philosophy of Martial Arts. they shud be tools to improve our personality, self control and confidence. a martial art 'expert' is usually good at defending himself against attack. let the attacker provoke first. give him a few chances and when the line is crossed, give him the whalloping he wont foget for the rest of his life. actually it mite not even come to this stage. the inner confidence in a Martial Artist wud be unnerving to an attacker and he may not go too far.

you hit him so hard that you do really major damage, then what?

then a police case at the worst.

I think the use of deadly force is justfied only when you're in a situation where it's either him or you.

how many times does that happen to a normal person in real life?

That's one of the reasons why I didn't go to that Ninjutsu place: what if I really hurt the chap badly without meaning to?

u r not learning Martial Arts to have the cabability to hurt are u? thats not the right approach. Ninjutsu or X-jutsu...even the deadliest knowledge from them shud not turn the learner into a ticking time bomb. the very purpose of the Art wud be lost.

1) You're not effective enough and receive major damage

ususlly happens to ppl who manage to get to a senior belt and have a misplaced arrogance abt their status.

2) You're too effective and do major damage

its like a goonda beating up an old man. A True Artist wud avoid this situation. even if the Art has to be used, the effectiveness wud be toned down to do as less a damage as possible.

[Johnny]

The Ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants. - Master Gichin Funakoshi.



I am delighted and in jubilation, that a topic on martial arts has finally started. Thanx FIddler bhai.



Well i am into, rather was into Shotokan Karate. I regularly went to the dojo for 2 years. Then had to leave it cuz of some reasons.

But the memory, the excitement, the happiness, the satisfaction, is still fresh in my mind. I practise it once in a while on my own, but not that effectively.

I am def. gonna return back to it soon, once i finish the so called academic commitments.



Well after looking at the discussions that were goin on, i wud like to add that any martial art is def. not to hurt anyone. Its purely for self defence, and self control. A real martial artist wud never misuse the great power. To be precise, attaining perfection in martial arts is very difficult. Its not just about how well u fight, how well u can harm others. Its about self realisation, self control, Peaceful living, and meditation. There is a spiritual side to martial arts.

But looking it at a practical point of view, There shud be some utility attached to it, when the need comes.

PLease watch the movie : 36th chamber of shaolin. It depicts the real martial arts' aim.

Dojo Kun

Seek Perfection of character.

Be faithful.

Endeavor.

Respect others.

Refrain from violent behaviour.



Hush.

[Habitual Perfectionist]

Okay, since I've got a rare break from work, here's the clarion call:

Are you into Karate? Tae Kwon Do? Tae Bo? Jiu Jitsu? Aikido? Kendo? Bo Jitsu? Nijitsu? Kalaripayta? Wu Shu? T'ai Chi? Wing Chun? Jeet Kune Do? Post up and let the rest of us know!

Special invitations: Ctrl Alt Del, Alexis and Johnny.

Anyone else? Please to feel free!

Please note: No Hara Kiri allowed...

Is boxing included?



I used to box when in school. Won a bronze level at state level but didn't really pursue it further after that. But its a good exercise and I wouldn't mind putting on my gloves again and sparring for a few rounds. Would be fun.

[CtrlAltDel]

Is boxing included?

I used to box when in school. Won a bronze level at state level but didn't really pursue it further after that. But its a good exercise and I wouldn't mind putting on my gloves again and sparring for a few rounds. Would be fun.

cool! join da club Habitual 'Tyson' Perfectionist!

[Fiddler]

LOL CAD/Johnny, you guys aren't getting what I'm trying to say at all

Attack is the best form of defense

i think that goes against the philosophy of Martial Arts. they shud be tools to improve our personality, self control and confidence. a martial art 'expert' is usually good at defending himself against attack. let the attacker provoke first.

That's all well and good if the guy's coming at you with his fists. What if he pulls a knife on you, or comes at you with a broken bottle? Okay, the true martial artist has nothing to prove, but if you know the situation is one where you or someone with you might really get badly hurt, then I'd prefer hurting him to him hurting me.

you hit him so hard that you do really major damage, then what?

then a police case at the worst. .

I'm talking about the emotional trauma to yourself, my friend. Would you be able to live with what you've done to another human being is what I'm asking.

I think the use of deadly force is justfied only when you're in a situation where it's either him or you.

how many times does that happen to a normal person in real life? .

CAD, it's not a question of how many times. One time is enough to send you to the morgue or, at best, to the hospital.

That's one of the reasons why I didn't go to that Ninjutsu place: what if I really hurt the chap badly without meaning to?

u r not learning Martial Arts to have the cabability to hurt are u? .

If I was, would I be asking all these questions?

thats not the right approach. Ninjutsu or X-jutsu...even the deadliest knowledge from them shud not turn the learner into a ticking time bomb. the very purpose of the Art wud be lost..

Every martial arts expert is a ticking time-bomb, my friend. It's just that he chooses not to let himself explode. But they're human too. Under extreme circumstances, anybody's emotional control can break. It's because I realize this that I didn't learn Nijutsu. I don't trust my temper.

1) You're not effective enough and receive major damage

ususlly happens to ppl who manage to get to a senior belt and have a misplaced arrogance abt their status. ..

We'd all like to believe that, CAD, but Martial Arts experts aren't superhuman. What I really wanted to say, though, is this: just because someone has learnt the martial arts doesn't mean they can handle themselves any better than a layman, unless they're really experienced, have the ability to react without thinking, and have excellent technique. This is because of the unpredictability of the situation. Anyone else might just hurt themselves because they think they can handle the situation when they actually can't.

2) You're too effective and do major damage

its like a goonda beating up an old man. A True Artist wud avoid this situation. even if the Art has to be used, the effectiveness wud be toned down to do as less a damage as possible.

You're being idealistic, CAD. I agree, martial arts masters are the epitome of self-control but, because they're human, they might get carried away by the situation. Now don't give me the whole philosophy about experts and how they don't need to use all their force etc etc. In a situation where you're definitely going to get hurt if you don't do anything, you try as hard as you can NOT to. That's the bottom line. Only great masters can exert the self-control you mention.



Some more thoughts:



1) One shouldn't get into a situation where one needs to use force in the first place

2) If one wants to learn the martial arts, one should make up one's mind to go a far as possible. Limited skill and knowledge are dangerous, both to others and to oneself.

3) One should realize that a martial art is not just a hobby or a pastime. It's a way of life.

[CtrlAltDel]

LOL CAD/Johnny, you guys aren't getting what I'm trying to say at all

aisa nahin hai bhai! i was ranting abt the general concept of martial art n how an "expert" ought to behave...!

What if he pulls a knife on you, or comes at you with a broken bottle?

thats teh provocation i am talking abt. i am not saying that the Artist shud get hurt first befroe striking back.

the situation is one where you or someone with you might really get badly hurt, then I'd prefer hurting him to him hurting me.

i agree

Would you be able to live with what you've done to another human being is what I'm asking.

i'll feel bad only if i realise that my "victim" did not deserve that treatment and i that i had made a judgement error.else i dont think i'll feel anything. in each style of Martial Art there are katas or "steps" that are non-lethal and simple defensive manuoevres (spell?) that wud disarm the attacker. the Artist shud tune himself/herself to use only these in real life situations

just because someone has learnt the martial arts doesn't mean they can handle themselves any better than a layman, unless they're really experienced, have the ability to react without thinking, and have excellent technique.

point taken

Anyone else might just hurt themselves because they think they can handle the situation when they actually can't.

...a common occurance.....when i recieved my Yellow Belt i felt like i cud take on the world!

You're being idealistic, CAD.

:roll: yes, i see it too....

In a situation where you're definitely going to get hurt if you don't do anything, you try as hard as you can NOT to. That's the bottom line. Only great masters can exert the self-control you mention.

i understand the "great Master" u talked abt as someone who has slogged a few years to reach a senior Black belt of say atleast 3rd or 4th Dan. most of the Masters i've seen have come across as extremely balanced and rational individuals in normal life. this is feel is thanx to their knowledge of the Art. the situation of losing control normally doesnt occur to such people. only those with lesser belts, who were into the Art for say 2 yrs or lesser can be expected to react the way u describe.
of corz they are exceptions in both these cases, but i personally feel they are not aberrations from the norm. Idealistic? Maybe....

1) One shouldn't get into a situation where one needs to use force in the first place

correct. as far as mine or anybody's experience goes, such situations rarely occur. at the most we may enter into fisticuffs with, say, an Auto driver over fares but we shud not use the Art in such cases.

2) If one wants to learn the martial arts, one should make up one's mind to go a far as possible. Limited skill and knowledge are dangerous, both to others and to oneself.

correct again. anyway, people who drop out or learn partially also lose their skill as fast

3) One should realize that a martial art is not just a hobby or a pastime. It's a way of life.

...for a serious practitioner, yes. for someone who relies on it as a tool to fitness (the majority), its just another hobby. the best thing abt these "hobby horses" is that they wont have the knowledge or inclination to use in real life and they usually realise it too.

[Fiddler]

Is boxing included?

I used to box when in school. Won a bronze level at state level but didn't really pursue it further after that. But its a good exercise and I wouldn't mind putting on my gloves again and sparring for a few rounds. Would be fun.

Boxing's one thing I know NIX about. Maybe you can clue us in, HP? Never wanted to take up boxing, though. Am too fond of the way my face looks

[akhilis2cool]

I am a black belt in KHARRATE....daily practice for 8-9 hrs dude....





*runs to avoid the cuts and chops........*

[Fiddler]

Hey did any one catch the 'Seven Deadly Arts' episode on Capoweira on Sunday? It was amazing! It's like no other martial art I've ever experienced. It's a combination of martial art, music and dance! Incredible! Now I've decided it's my life's ambition to go to Brazil and learn Capoweira

[CtrlAltDel]

Hey did any one catch the 'Seven Deadly Arts' episode on Capoweira on Sunday? It was amazing! It's like no other martial art I've ever experienced. It's a combination of martial art, music and dance! Incredible! Now I've decided it's my life's ambition to go to Brazil and learn Capoweira

missed it but i did better....i saw a live performance...at Sydney by the Capoweira club there. the drum beats were highly infectious and went well with the acrobatics....wish it is tot in hydbad

[Fiddler]

missed it but i did better....i saw a live performance...at Sydney by the Capoweira club there.

Lucky man! But you should've caught the documentary. They showed the original form of Capoweira that's called 'Angola'. Man, those guys train by doing everything in slow motion, including the cartwheels, roundhouse kicks, the works! You need AMAzing control, muscle power and stamina for that! That is one exotic martial art, man!



Speaking of exotic martial arts, does anyone know whether Kalaripayita is taught anywhere outside Kerala and, if so, if there's a school in Hyd? Ditto with Muay Thai.