[FITTAS]

Sounds like you speak from experience....Fair enough though, MMA is much more vicious than most traditional martial arts.

It's just that so many people come into martial arts thinking that the human body can survive the amount of punishment they see in films. I just want to make sure that people understand that all blows to the head can be extremely dangerous.

[suniti]

Honestly I would reccomend not skipping straight to a sword, consider getting a bokken first. I only say it because after I really sliced something the first time with a katana I was ready to plop down as much money for a bokken as I did for a blade. That and the first time I showed that blade to a trusted friend I handed it to him told him to 'be careful it's sharp' turned around to mess with my stereo or something first thing I hear is 'yoew! that's sharp!'.

No the class gives you a bokken for the first few classes but then you have to get an iaito. The blade being actual steel doesn't present a problem, I've already handled Hungarian hussar scimitars and even European-style longswords once or twice. I heard katanas were very light, due to the process in which they are made.

[mimi_lys]

I heard katanas were very light, due to the process in which they are made.

I have a katana, although admittedly not a very well made one. I wouldn't call it light by any means, but I suppose for it's length, it's probably ligher than most other swords

[BRAD MONTGOMERY]

First to answer your question we do kick each other in the nuts and we wear a special groin guard. The problem is even with the best groin guard on the market you still must be very carefully when kicking each other in the nuts as it still hurts like hell and can cause serious injury.

I used to do an anything goes class with a bunch of people from different styles including aikido. I have a lot of respect for aikido but when these guys were facing rapid punches to the head they had no defence at all and would go down in a screaming heap every time.
The only guys that had a worse head defence were the tai kwon do guys who hands were always too low to defend the head.
Aikido is a very good style and is deadly in its own way. Never let an aikido guy grab one of your hands or you are screwed.

Everybody cross-trains in different martial arts these days. I think it is important for guys who do very technical styles like aikido to do something like krav maga to get the more brutal side and vise versa.

When I get too old for the physical impact of krav maga I will switch to either aikido or Japanese jujitsu.

I Love the cultural Emerson that comes from aikido and real karate but it is not for everyone. I still hand people objects with two hands and cannot put on my shoulder bag without running my hand down the strap. When I am not carefully I also find myself carrying my umbrella in strange ways. Sometimes I even bow when I enter a gym.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcyRPAQRMo0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I too am planning on taking other martial arts (though more along the lines of wing tsung or Shaolin Kung Fu), but first I wish to gain some knowledge in aikido. And I agree with you on that Aikido is probably weakest against punches throw in quick succession and especially punches which are quickly withdrawn (gives the aikidoka no chance to grab on). I'd say it's more useful against armed attacks (it was originally invented as a way of disarming a sword-armed opponents, quite useful if you loose your weapon in a battle). But once again, I gotta hand it to ya; this Krav Maga is some deadly [censored]! I especially like how it consists of very logical movements, that take the least time and effort to execute (thus lessening the chance of screwing up). As for Tai Kwon Do, it's more of an attack-focused martial art right? No wonder, that the defense techniques aren't as refined.

[Gavin boyce]

It's just that so many people come into martial arts thinking that the human body can survive the amount of punishment they see in films. I just want to make sure that people understand that all blows to the head can be extremely dangerous.

This reminds me, I've seen something fascinating lately. The art is called quigong, and it consist of supposedly channeling chi in your body to form something called an "iron shirt" where you can withstand inhumane blows without sustaining any injury or feeling pain. I've seen a demo. where a guy got whacked full force in the abdomen with a baseball bat and it didn't even affect him (he was lean too so it wasn't his magnificent abs that saved the day ). He then proceeded to prop a steel-tipped bamboo spear against his throat and bend it (applying over 2000lb of force in an area consisting entirely of soft tissue) and while doing this, an inch-thick stick was broken on his back, adding hundreds of pounds of additional pressure. The spear didn't even pierce his skin, all he got was a red mark. Makes you think...

[Stu Clarke]

This reminds me, I've seen something fascinating lately. The art is called quigong, and it consist of supposedly channeling chi in your body to form something called an "iron shirt" where you can withstand inhumane blows without sustaining any injury or feeling pain. I've seen a demo. where a guy got whacked full force in the abdomen with a baseball bat and it didn't even affect him (he was lean too so it wasn't his magnificent abs that saved the day ). He then proceeded to prop a steel-tipped bamboo spear against his throat and bend it (applying over 2000lb of force in an area consisting entirely of soft tissue) and while doing this, an inch-thick stick was broken on his back, adding hundreds of pounds of additional pressure. The spear didn't even pierce his skin, all he got was a red mark. Makes you think...

I always doubt things that I see like that. The idea of 'mind over matter', though as cool as it seems, doesn't help but make me wonder why we can't all do it. Wonder where all the people in the world are that think they can take a baseball bat to the stomach but soon find out that they can't. Must admit it'd be amusing to watch.

Has anyone seen Kung Fu Hustle, or Shaolin Soccer? Both films are hilariously funny. It was just your comment of 'an iron shirt' that made me think of them. If you've not seen them, then I really recommend them.

[Gemma Woods Illustration]

I always doubt things that I see like that. The idea of 'mind over matter', though as cool as it seems, doesn't help but make me wonder why we can't all do it. Wonder where all the people in the world are that think they can take a baseball bat to the stomach but soon find out that they can't. Must admit it'd be amusing to watch.

Has anyone seen Kung Fu Hustle, or Shaolin Soccer? Both films are hilariously funny. It was just your comment of 'an iron shirt' that made me think of them. If you've not seen them, then I really recommend them.

Well the guy didn't just get up and do it. He's a Shaolin monk who has been practicing kung fu all his life and the technique of qigong for over five years.
Also, Kung Fu Hustle was awesome!

[KiiSsez jdgaf Benzler]

Have to say one thing that really interests me is how different MAs are combined with modern day items and techniques. One thing I was reading up on was the movie style "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_Fu" *aka Bullet Ballet* blending kung-fu/Martial Arts moves with firearms to achieve different combat techniques. Even though it's only seen in movies and games like Devil May Cry it is rather interesting to see these two things merged together.

Love to learn something like Jujitsu, but I don't think I have the stamina or physical prowess to accomplish that.

[DarkGypsy]

Hmmm...MMA has in some respects a basis in culture as well. During the whole Bruce Lee thing. Although MMA started to form even before that. From Pankration in ancient Greek Olympic events to today. In essence it is supposed to be an almagamation of many traditions. The problem with it is how unscrupulous a lot of people are in the use of and teaching of it. Often times anyone can practice it and anyone can learn it. The teaching of morality alongside it has sadly declined. Lots of idiots that know MMA out there.

[El Goose]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEDaCIDvj6I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I highly recommend anyone who is new to martial arts watch ufc1 and ufc2. Don't worry about watching all the rest as they are entertaining but not nearly as educational as too many rules were added to make the sport less deadly.
If you want all the best martial arts moves a good place to start is the list of things that you are not allowed to do in mma.

[Campbell]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEDaCIDvj6I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I highly recommend anyone who is new to martial arts watch ufc1 and ufc2. Don't worry about watching all the rest as they are entertaining but not nearly as educational as too many rules were added to make the sport less deadly.
If you want all the best martial arts moves a good place to start is the list of things that you are not allowed to do in mma.

Eye gouging, biting, groin kicks, hits to the back of the head?

In a street fight they can be damned effective.

[Amy Gibson]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEDaCIDvj6I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Ohohohoho, that was rather embarrassing for the guy in the black. What was he doing though? I've never seen anything like that. It looked like he was exercising his arms, preparing for a workout. The other guy wasn't good at all though, he rushed right in throwing all his momentum, lucky he wasn't facing a judoka I guess.

@holycannoli leave out the eye gouging and biting, both of them make you vulnerable (you expose your head in one and extend your arm for a long period of time in the other) IMO.

[Isabel Ruiz]

No the class gives you a bokken for the first few classes but then you have to get an iaito. The blade being actual steel doesn't present a problem, I've already handled Hungarian hussar scimitars and even European-style longswords once or twice. I heard katanas were very light, due to the process in which they are made.

How they are made varies a lot.
Wall Hangers are made out of zinc, if it doesn't snap when drawn it will the first time it comes into contact with something.

WWII era mass produced (the quality difference in these can be drastic, the metal isn't fancy and they were flat out quenched in motor oil for tempering but they're potentially worth a lot to a collector)

Modern factory blades a few places manufacture them modern steel is leagues above what traditional japanese swordsmiths had to work with so they're not as fancy but potentially you can get a lucky find most the time they will have a feature like acid etching to imitate a hamon line created by the clay temperment process of traditional blades.
My one of these blades not the best or any fancy additions but its solid steel and has a good temper. One imperfection a slight angle to it from where quality control bent it to ensure it wont snap at a certain angle not sure if I want to fix it or leave it as is because I've sort of grown to like it in a way like a personality trait its just part of what it is. Picking it up I'd call it light, holding it in a stance and using it for a length of time I wouldn't.

iaito's usually come blunted for practice purposes I really know nothing about the quality of those types most of my research in the past has focused on sharpened ones.
edit.. just don't forget to oil it.

[Rhi Edwards]

How they are made varies a lot.
Wall Hangers are made out of zinc, if it doesn't snap when drawn it will the first time it comes into contact with something.

WWII era mass produced (the quality difference in these can be drastic, the metal isn't fancy and they were flat out quenched in motor oil for tempering but they're potentially worth a lot to a collector)

Modern factory blades a few places manufacture them modern steel is leagues above what traditional japanese swordsmiths had to work with so they're not as fancy but potentially you can get a lucky find most the time they will have a feature like acid etching to imitate a hamon line created by the clay temperment process of traditional blades.
My one of these blades not the best or any fancy additions but its solid steel and has a good temper. One imperfection a slight angle to it from where quality control bent it to ensure it wont snap at a certain angle not sure if I want to fix it or leave it as is because I've sort of grown to like it in a way like a personality trait its just part of what it is. Picking it up I'd call it light, holding it in a stance and using it for a length of time I wouldn't.

iaito's usually come blunted for practice purposes I really know nothing about the quality of those types most of my research in the past has focused on sharpened ones.
edit.. just don't forget to oil it.

Well the sensei told me the ones that are good for anything are 1 grand and up (iaitos typically cost a bit more) and I can't afford that right now but for the tips.

[Sabrina Steige]

I used to do tae kwon do for about 10 lessons but I gave up cuz it wasn't for me.

Then went and did kung fu for two lessons but gave up because it was ￡4 per lesson just playing tag with little kids.

[Dezzeh]

starting kung fu in 2 weeks O_o

[Camden Unglesbee]

I used to do tae kwon do for about 10 lessons but I gave up cuz it wasn't for me.

Then went and did kung fu for two lessons but gave up because it was ￡4 per lesson just playing tag with little kids.

Four pounds a lesson! O-o That's like what? Eight bucks? An awful lot of money. I pay $25 a month and have around 12 lessons a month (though I also pay an annual membership fee to the Japanese Cultural Center I got to). I suspect the kung-fu you did was a rip-off though. I once went to a friend's kung-fu dojo and there was some pretty serious training going on man.

[tegan fiamengo]

Four pounds a lesson! O-o That's like what? Eight bucks? An awful lot of money. I pay $25 a month and have around 12 lessons a month (though I also pay an annual membership fee to the Japanese Cultural Center I got to). I suspect the kung-fu you did was a rip-off though. I once went to a friend's kung-fu dojo and there was some pretty serious training going on man.

It wasn't a proper full on advlt dojo, but all we did was horse riding stance and tag.

[Trevi]

starting kung fu in 2 weeks O_o

Kung Fu isn't a martial art, it's just a name that applies to all Chinese Martial Arts. It's the same as Wushu

[carrie roche]

Kung Fu isn't a martial art, it's just a name that applies to all Chinese Martial Arts. It's the same as Wushu

So would the actual martial arts be the subcategories of Kung Fu, like Shaolin Kung Fu or Liau Gar Kung Fu?

In a sort of related note did anyone notice in the new Karate Kid, he learns Kung Fu instead of Karate? It should have been called the Kung Fu Kid, it sounds better too.

[Sweet Blighty]

I always doubt things that I see like that. The idea of 'mind over matter', though as cool as it seems, doesn't help but make me wonder why we can't all do it. Wonder where all the people in the world are that think they can take a baseball bat to the stomach but soon find out that they can't. Must admit it'd be amusing to watch.

Has anyone seen Kung Fu Hustle, or Shaolin Soccer? Both films are hilariously funny. It was just your comment of 'an iron shirt' that made me think of them. If you've not seen them, then I really recommend them.

I am a scientific sceptic through and through but the mind can do a lot of things. Some can undergo painless surgery with hypnotic aneasthesia. Pain is only a signal, after all.

[Zualett]

I am a scientific sceptic through and through but the mind can do a lot of things. Some can undergo painless surgery with hypnotic aneasthesia. Pain is only a signal, after all.

The interesting thing here was that he not only didn't feel pain, but no physical damage was caused. Pain is a signal but stopping tissue from getting damaged is a whole different matter entirely.

[Melis Hristina]

In a sort of related note did anyone notice in the new Karate Kid, he learns Kung Fu instead of Karate? It should have been called the Kung Fu Kid, it sounds better too.

IIRC the name of the movie is Kung Fu Kid in China but the US version advertised as a new version of Karate Kid. Some martial artists also didn't like that they did that because it's like misrepresenting a martial art.

[Anna Kyselova]

@holycannoli leave out the eye gouging and biting, both of them make you vulnerable (you expose your head in one and extend your arm for a long period of time in the other) IMO.

You're not gonna leave yourself exposed doing either, but you can be brought up on charges depending on what you do, not to mention possibly exposing yourself to pathogens if you bite.

If you're an experienced grappler, you have a lot of weapons at your disposal. I've seen non-grappler blackbelts get wrecked by even blue belt grapplers, because all that kicking, punching and fancy wrist locks and throws go out the window when you're in a grappler's grasp. It's actually the highlight of the first few UFC events, where grappling just dominated.

Highly recommended viewing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A6jQulFXN0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhTo7xErnnw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjK0g-cDJI4 (this is pretty much what happened in the early UFCs, before jiu jitsu became an integral part of every MMA fighter's repertoire)

[Grace Francis]

I tried martial arts once, Tae Kwan Do I think it's spelt.

Seemed more like a form of Yoga so I quit.