I am now a blackbelt!

[saint]

I also appear to have a broken ankle. In the ER now awaiting x-rays, but the way it went "pop" and now flops to the side is a pretty good clue I think.

[Hoopz]

Congrats and tough luck about your ankle all at the same time.

In light of the conversation yesterday about Karate Kid and your achievement, I thought this video was appropriate:

[daywane]

well.... you are sitting there board to death... I was with my finger.
Take a pic. we want to see. 

[Samstag]

When can we expect to see a how-to book?

[saint]

Heh. No books about this one.

Update - I did break my foot... but just not today. X-rays don't show a new break. Appears to be a tendon/ligament thing. Have to call the ortho doctor on Monday, possibly get an MRI... Currently in cast and crutches. Apparently I broke my foot years ago though I didn't know it.

[Vanguard]

I broke a rib at some point in my life and never knew it.   I had a chest xray for some reason (don't remember why) and they asked my when I broke my rib.  To this day, I can't for the life of me remember how/when I would have done it.

Congrats on the blackbelt.

[shmokes]

I had a chest xray for some reason (don't remember why)

Probably you had a positive tuberculosis skin test.  It's pretty common.  They'll do a chest x-ray to make sure you don't have active TB.


Congratulations Saint.  If I ever see you I will punch you in the face so I can see your skills.  Or, perhaps now I will only manage an attempt. 

[Xiaou2]

If you want to test a martial artists skills, you better let them know beforehand.

 If someone tried to punch me out of the blue - they may end up crippled for life.
The reality of combat, is that you do not take chances being "Nice".   If you do,
you will more than likely end up a corpse when someone with real bad intent
attacks you.

 
 Saint, Best wishes for a speedy & full recovery.

(PS - Better to Kick with the heel/ball, and not the top of the foot)

[jamesjones626]

i have a blackbelt, got it at walmart for 5$$  HI-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO    YUK YUK YUK!

[Howard_Casto]

i have a blackbelt, got it at walmart for 5$$  HI-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO    YUK YUK YUK!

-Daniel  "What kind of belt do you have?"
-Mr. Miagi "You like?  got at Jc-Penny... on sale"

Congrats Saint!

[saint]

If you want to test a martial artists skills, you better let them know beforehand.

 If someone tried to punch me out of the blue - they may end up crippled for life.
The reality of combat, is that you do not take chances being "Nice".   If you do,
you will more than likely end up a corpse when someone with real bad intent
attacks you.

 
 Saint, Best wishes for a speedy & full recovery.

(PS - Better to Kick with the heel/ball, and not the top of the foot)

Thanks Wasn't a kick. Was doing a tamoinage (Spelling probably badly mangled. Grab opponent, put foot sideways in their gut, roll backwards while throwing them up and over your head launching them with your foot).  As I was throwing him, I heard a "pop" and the foot twisted sideways (er.. more sideways).

[saint]

Normal foot on left. Notice the extra flop to the side on the right.

[Ed_McCarron]

Careful this thread doesn't end up in P&R; looks like you might lean to the right now.

Now that thats out of my system, yikes.  Surprisingly, it doesn't look very bruised.  Doc's say how long?

[javeryh]

Congrats saint!

Also, gross.

[saint]

Careful this thread doesn't end up in P&R; looks like you might lean to the right now.

Now that thats out of my system, yikes.  Surprisingly, it doesn't look very bruised.  Doc's say how long?

Heh. No bruising at all yet actually, probably start to show up today. Won't know anything until I see ortho doc next week, can't make an appointment until tomorrow.

[RobbyMac]

Did this have anything to do with kicking a hole in your ceiling? 

[RayB]

Real black belt, or "I've been paying to go to this local dojo long enough that they graduated me to "black belt" black belt" ?
;-)

[shmokes]

Probably you had a positive tuberculosis skin test.  It's pretty common.  They'll do a chest x-ray to make sure you don't have active TB.

Only if you test positive twice, and by the time they're doing the chest x-ray, they're also prescribing nasty medications for the next year of your life (or threatening too).

Went through this a couple years ago, idiot nurse didn't know that chlorine would aggravate the test sites, etc etc.

Yeah . . . that just seems the most likely reason that someone would get a chest x-ray for which they couldn't remember the reason.  My money is on TB test.  So I guess your second test was negative and you didn't have to take the suppression meds (6 months, not a year, I think).  Why do you describe the meds as nasty?  Do they have bad side effects?

[Vanguard]

I have had a bazillion test run on my lungs.  That's why I can't remember why it was being done.   A number of years ago I had a chronic cough that wasn't producing anything.   It seem to come from nowhere.   My dad had been diagnosed with lung cancer and was a smoker.   My doctors took extra precautions and ran a number of tests.  One of the MRI's turned up "nodules".   They are basically some sort of abnormal cluster of tissue.   They were found in my liver, lungs and thyroid.  Since then, I've had CT scans, MRI's, X-rays and ultrasounds to determine what they were.   Now, I have an annual MRI and ultrasound to make sure none of them show any signs of growth.   After 3+ years, none of them have changed so I've been given a clean bill of health.   I can't recall if the chest xray was done because of the nodules or because of the original cough but it was in the last 3-4 years so it was due to either the cough or subsequent discovery of the nodules.  I've never tested positive for TB.

My doctor said a large portion of the population has nodules but never know it because they never have any sort of test that discovers them.  Once discovered, they need to be watched to rule out cancer.

[shateredsoul]

So.. you didn't fall through your roof?

or break it fighting off a bear?

[Vanguard]

Oh, so, in other words, Ocho is the reason we all pay high medical insurance premiums. 



Thanks, Mike.

What?

[saint]

Real black belt, or "I've been paying to go to this local dojo long enough that they graduated me to "black belt" black belt" ?
;-)

No paper promotions here. It's at the YMCA so there's no profit motive in the dojo.  Took 5 years for me to get here. I do not by any means consider myself a lethal weapon, but what I've learned I've honestly learned. Over the 5 years I've been laid out with bruised ribs (having had bruised ribs, please shoot me if I ever break one. Worst pain in my life ever), tore my planterus muscle in my left leg, and now whatever I've done to my right ankle. Aside from that though I'm in probably the best physical shape of my life, more flexible than the first 35 years of my life, can clear 8 feet in a dive roll, and also know some self defense as well

That said, I have much much to learn. Black belt is just the beginning.

[saint]

So.. you didn't fall through your roof?

or break it fighting off a bear?

Heh. I did fall through the roof, same foot. Probably should have taken that as an omen!

[northerngames]

If you want to test a martial artists skills, you better let them know beforehand.

 If someone tried to punch me out of the blue - they may end up crippled for life.
The reality of combat, is that you do not take chances being "Nice".   If you do,
you will more than likely end up a corpse when someone with real bad intent
attacks you.

 
 Saint, Best wishes for a speedy & full recovery.

(PS - Better to Kick with the heel/ball, and not the top of the foot)

someone so deadly should know that it is actually better you kick with the lower shin.



 most the time in a real fight your not going to get away with too many ax kicks unless they stand there for ya.

a straight kick to the stomach works sometime's for a heel kick but the shin is what most pro fighter's use as heel kicks are very limted and mostly a risky take against real people outside the movies.

[Xiaou2]

I preform a lead leg diagonal Stomp kick to the attackers knee / shin.

 Ive fought plenty of skilled fighters of multiple arts, and had little problem landing it...
and, only due to his consistent disrespect over a period of several months, I nearly broke
a guys knee in a sparring match in 1 second flat.  (a man twice my mass, grasping his
knee, rolling in the fetal position Crying for over 5 min)  I put only about 30% power into it,
and it took him several months to heal fully from it.

 Shin kicks are not very effective.  Hence why you see countless MMA shin kicks, and
both fighters are still standing.
 
 The problem with Shin kicks, besides the fact that you can break/hurt your own shin in
the process... is that they are round, and as the kick starts to land, the opp can allow his
leg to bend and absorb in that same direction... thus reducing its power / damages vastly.  Also,
round kicks with damage power are usually thrown from the rear leg, and a slow wide arc, making
them much easier to read and avoid.

 You can also take a quick sidestep to the opposite side of the kick, taking away almost all
its power.  

 However, a straight kick against the knee/shin is much harder to evade and
can not be  "absorbed".  It can be quick as a fast jab, nearly unseen to the eye.. and land
with enough power to stop a fight instantly.

 Ohh, I almost forgot... A shin kick is also usually landing on the Fleshy part of a leg.
Muscle can take a good amount of abuse. However, damage directly to a joint is 100x worse.


 The stuff you see on TV, is just that.  Its sport games.  Not real combat.  I dont play games.
I train for real life / death situations... where split seconds and maximum potentials are a must.

[shateredsoul]

that's it, we need to have a byoac not videogame fighter tournament

one condition, each fighter must provide a mandatory training montage video

[northerngames]

DING! DING! lol...

[Dexter]

Godd man Saint, welcome to the black belt club!

[Hoopz]

I've got $10 on Xiaou2 to lose against anyone he fights.

No bet and I'll bet on anything.

He'd carriage return em to death!

 

[Hoopz]

Hrm over/under on the number of hits he takes before he falls down like a ---smurfette---?

I'll take under on 3.

You can't make the line AND take the under.  One or the other.   

I'd put the line at 1.5 hits.   

[shmokes]

I train for real life / death situations... where split seconds and maximum potentials are a must.

Does it ever get annoying how few life/death situations you find yourself in?  Like . . . I'd be kind of annoyed to finish school and then go my whole life with no exposure to the law. 

[saint]

I have taken JuJitsu for 5 years. I have taken Aikido, Kyukido, and Hapkido for approximately a year now. I have been instructed by my JuJitsu instructor, who is an 8th dan (8th degree for you laymen) JuJitsu martial artist, 6th dan Karate, and 2nd dan Judo. I have been instructed by 4 other similarly ranked instructors as well. I have, I think, a broad spectrum of exposure to philosophies of martial arts.

What I have been taught is situational assessment and control. I have been taught lethal techniques. I have also been taught disabling technique, and simply countering techniques. I've been taught to use non combative responses as well (i.e. talk someone down instead of fighting).

If you were to come up to me to punch me, responding to you with lethal force would not be my default reaction. My level of response would depend on my initial assessment of the situation. Granted, in a split second there's not a lot of time to think, so my response might be more or less aggressive than is called for, but that's where situational awareness and training come in.

My hierarchy of responses would be to avoid and tell you to chill, avoid and strike you or put you in a controlling lock to get you to back off, avoid you and do something disabling (i.e. coming at you just shy of full force, attempting to break a limb, or to knock you out, or to otherwise stop your ability to come at me), and only as a last resort attempt to do you lethal harm.

My teaching and philosophy is not the same as Xiaou2's. I can't tell you his is wrong. I can only tell you it's different than mine. My buddy (black belt in Kung Fu) came up behind his instructor in a parking lot one dark night for fun and did a "boo" of some kind for fun, and his instructor whirled around and about clocked him pulling back at the last moment. His instructor told him not to do that, he was lucky he wasn't badly hurt. Different philosophies and circumstances.

Now, if you came at me with a knife or other weapon, or you threatened my wife or children, I would immediately ramp up to extreme force. Situational awareness and training...

My long winded point is that in my training, there isn't a single response level. It will vary. This is based on training in 4 different martial arts disciplines.

--- saint

[shmokes]

saint . . . why bother with all of that when you could just kill a ---maternal-smurf---?  At least I think that's what Xiaou is saying . . .

[saint]

saint . . . why bother with all of that when you could just kill a ---maternal-smurf---?  At least I think that's what Xiaou is saying . . .

Too much paperwork.

[Hoopz]

Saint, I missed the caveat that said once you're off the crutches.   

[saint]

No caveat necessary - with one busted ankle, I still have 3 limbs to get you with

[Xiaou2]

 This is what happens when people project their own ideas into what is being said.

 Firstly, as I said, I train for Real combat.   This does not mean that in every situation, I
would take a life, or break a limb.  It Means, that I train in a manor that is more realistic to
REAL COMBAT.  I do not train to avoid certain areas, such as would be required in a sport.
I also train on hard sandbags, and not soft foam pads.  This again, is because in Real combat,
you dont have time to strap on wrist tape and gloves... and if your fist and wrists are weak
internally... they may get hurt and or break - in addition to you not being able to deliver
full power levels.

 That said... just as Saints post describes... if someone sneaks up on me in a dark parking
garage... the reaction in not going to be a friendly one.   You can theorize all you want... but
had that kid been a real thug, and that Sifu tried to do a "nice" move... he may have been
a few lines of text in the newspapers today.

 I also follow a conduct of appropriate reactions, and appropriate force levels.  So far, Ive never
needed to deal out anything that caused major damages.  After I nearly broke that guys knees
to prove to him that my skill & power, and the techniques of Wing Chun work... I felt very bad
at the results.  I know what Im capable of... and after that, I never sought to prove it using
heavy force again.
 
 Now, Ive had a guy jump out of his car and want to fight... and I talked him down... which
happens to be the best course of action.  Ive talked several potential fights down actually.

 The only time I couldnt talk someone down... (In a goth nightclub)  He went to strike me with
intent, so I punched him hard enough in the head to dizzy him, as well as breaking his glasses
in two.  His inflated ego immediately backed off, and came the instant respect.

 In that same place, different time... A guy wouldnt leave this poor woman alone.  I asked her
if she needed help... and the guy cockily got in my face, and told me to mind my own business.
He went to grasp me, and I immediately swept my arms around and countered so fast,  that he realized what he was up against... and said he didnt come here for trouble!  heh

 
 I dont advocate violence to solve problems.  But I DO Advocate realistic training.  Something
that seems is getting more and more lost over the years of time.

 Why bother to learn and develop it, if it may never be used?

 Why keep an emergency candle if you may never need it?
  Why keep a few canned goods, if you may never need it?
   Why learn wilderness survival, if you may never need it?
 
 There are many factors as to why I choose to spend time learning the arts.
(In no particular order of reasoning)

1) Confidence & Piece of mind.  No need to Fear anyone, or any situation, ever again.

2) Just in Case. For me, My family, My loved ones.. or Even... complete strangers in need.

3) Health. Better shape. Better coodination. Able to avoid being injured, & can take injury
better than non-artists.  Ive learned breathing techs that have aided me, and
mental techniques which have calmed my mind, and set me at ease.  As well as a higher
awareness, and level of focus.

4) Its fun. Like a game of Robotron, but even more intense and adrenalized.

5) Its an Art form.  Like Painting and Dancing.

6) Challenge. Takes practice, dedication, and developed skill to become effective.

7) Its not a job.  Its something done for pleasure.  Its satisfying, and enjoyable in more
ways than I can ever explain.  Its life changing...  and I cant recommend it highly enough,
even if its only a few years time at most.

[shmokes]

I still don't get why you want so badly to kill people all the time . . .

[Xiaou2]

 Additionally,  I feel I should mention a few more things...

  A Bully, will pick on you if they think you are weak.  They can see it in your eyes.. and the
mere way you move.  They often pick on the shorter guys, cause they believe small guys are
easier targets.   They will react negatively with No provocation on your part at all.

 Not only have I experienced this to a lesser extent,  but I have buddies with more true
unprovoked conflict stories than you can ever imagine.

 As for me, Ive been approached several times at a club by punks, merely cause I look thin,
weak, and non threatening.   (When I drink, Im all giggles and smiles)

 If it was not for my Confidence and experience, I may have reacted in a way that either
would have made them think I was a pushover,  hence a fight... OR, I would have reacted out
of my own Fears, in a non-skilled way... possibly causing me a trip to the hospital... or worse.

 Because of my training and secure attitude, they pretty much can see that Im not phased at
all... which scared them.  Makes them realize that they better be careful.  IF Ive ever had to
make any martial Gesture... most Immediately will back off.   The rest.. can and have been
dealt with, by skilled hands.

 Sure, you COULD simply TRY to project that same level of attitude... but what happens If
they start something anyways?  Also, are you so sure you will hold it together?  What
will you be feeling inside?  Fear. Terror.   Yet, with Good training, you are fearless. Calm.
Clear and unphased.   This level of internal achievement is priceless.  Its like a heavy weight
lifted off your shoulders.

 In my short life so far, here are the situations that have took place after my training...
In which training has helped to keep a positive outcome:

1) Sister needed to move things out from EX bfs.  BF, who generally is a mean punk, was scarred
of me, and so were his stronger "buddies" who were standing nearby. (when he found out I was
on my way)   Had my sister not had anyone to keep the peace, she may have been assaulted
by this idiot, when trying to get her things.

2) Guy who jumped out of car, wanting to fight me, cause he had a misunderstanding.
Got 2ft away from me, with fists up.  Had I not been calm and confident, he would have struck me
for sure.  I talked him down, and made him realize his roadly ignorance.

3) Macho artists who couldnt stand a reasonable critique, ( I explained it was not a good idea
to try to teach someone a single Karate move, as they would never be able to master it,
and properly defend themselves with One single lesson)   and wanted to take my head off
to prove himself.  While you could say that it was partially provoked... I was very nice, as well
as concerned for the person.  I got back a vicious response, merely due to problem with Ego
bruising.  This situation could happen to anyone, such as mentioning a differing point of view,
rooting for a different team...etc.  Theres always someone who can not control their emotions
well.. and will react physically immediately.

4) Guy at the local nightclub touching a girl and pushing her around, even after numerous
attempts to push him away...  Then he jumps in my face when I attempt to make sure she
was alright.  Had I Not gotten involved.. Maybe all would have been fine.  But, maybe she
would have ended up in a ditch somewhere later on.  Maybe Mr Woman-Dominator will learn
to control himself a bit better - merely out of fear of the consequences from someone like
me, who wont stand by and let people like him do as they please.

5) Brother was being threatened by some punk kid who he used to hang out with.
I went over and verbally made it known that hed better back off, or he would get
schooled in the Arts.

 
 So, Ive never much had to resort to any real violence... yet, my skills have gave me greater
internal strengths which I never would have had...  Had I not developed the martial arts
to an effective level. 

 I do not regret one single moment of my time training.

[shmokes]

But it's your apparent bloodthirsty desire to kill people that I wish to understand . . .

[Xiaou2]

 Shmokes,  taking a life is not something I, or anyone should take lightly.  Its a measure of
last resort... when no options are left.    I do not seek to take a life, nor am I blood thirsty...
nor am I even eager to get into any conflict at all.

 However, unlike yourself, if for example... I was on a plane about to be hijacked.. you can bet
I would be one of the people behind them being thwarted.

 I also have more value for my life than you do, as you do not have the desire & skills to protect it.
If someone pulled a knife and tried to stab you... would you let them do it?   Would you let 2 thugs
ravage your girlfriend right in front of you?

 The difference between how I train, and how others may train, is due to a preference in
real practical useage.  Not merely for play, fun, and sport.
 
 My first Sifu, told us of the time he lived in Chicago.  Walking back home, two drunk men
followed him.   He turned round and warned the men that he didnt want any trouble, and that
he was a trained martial art instructor.   They did not heed his warning... and went to attack him
anyways.

 What would you have done Shmokes?  Cower is the fetal position and hope to survive the
steel toe stomps?  Hope to try to outrun them?  (what if they are faster?)

 Swift did exactly what he had to do.  He launched a vitals attack:  A finger strike to the guys
eye.  The result... was that the guy went down in severe pains, and an ambulance had to
carry him away.  His pal ran off as soon as he saw his bigger pal her zapped down instantly. 
Swift told us that part of the guys eye was lodged in between his fingernail.   He felt bad... and
warned it as an emergency only... but that is precisely what it was... and he was well right to
use it.

 If he had used a less brutal option... he may not have had time to fend off both attackers.
Fighting two at once requires split second timings.  One slip up, and he may have been the
one in the ambulace, spending months recovering... (possibly permanent lifelong pain/damages,
brain damage..etc.)  or maybe even ended up in the morgue.

 Its Your choice what you will use if ever such an event takes place.   But make no mistake,
options Are limited based on countless factors.

 I can tell you one thing... My personal favorite:  The forehead Knockout punch...
is far more civil than a bullet or a knife wound.  (but at full power, is easily lethal, if there
is that warranted needed)
 
 I can imagine someone who has never had a real threat or serious fight in his life would
never really understand the idea, and the serious level of martial arts.  Just because that
is so... does not mean it will never happen one day.

[shateredsoul]

.............

has anyone ever taken a krav maga class? not sure if i'm remembering the spelling correctly, but I've always wanted to but never had the $$$

[Xiaou2]

BTW - In case you didnt know...  Bruce Lee  was never really interested in the martial arts
in his young life.   It was not until he was attacked by a group of thugs, and beaten to the
very brink of death...  did his attitude change.

 After he recovered...  He made a vow to himself... to Never let that happen to him ever
again.

 He then began training in Wing Chun,  and as well as other arts.  He trained longer and harder
than anyone else...  Driven by the direct knowledge of what could very well happen again if
he was not well prepared.   The others only mildly and halfheartedly developed at a steady
pace... where as he mastered and perfected every exacting detail.  He would quickly surpass
artists who had over 10yrs experience over him... merely due to his brutal non-stop
levels of training, and his drive towards absolute perfection.

 He mastered what he learned of WC, some other arts... as well as his own physical attributes.
Speed, Agility, Balance, Flexibility, Strength, Accuracy, Power... and more.  Because of this... he
was quickly recognized worldwide, as one of the greatest martial arts practitioners of all time.
(even though his true martial arts depth was limited... his power, skill, and maximized potentials,
were far superior to most practicing artists)

 Had he never had been attacked that day... We never would have seen "Enter the Dragon".
We never would have heard those trademark mocking Screams.  Kungfu would probably still
be largely a secret in the West.  Lee probably would have been a no name actor, slowly fading,
until he became reduced to mere factory work.

 While untimately, his life was probably cut short because of his obsession with the arts... 
He at least lived a brilliant life.

 Lees main priorities were for real situations.  He did not go into a career in sport fighting,
even though he Could have dominated that arena.   Movies came well after he had an earned
reputation for real fighting ability.

[shmokes]

Would you let 2 thugs ravage your girlfriend right in front of you?

What choice would I have?

When you put it that way it makes me wonder whether I shouldn't harbor a desire like yours to murder people for no reason.

[Xiaou2]

Ok, Im officially Done with you.

 Its clear you dont know how to be serious, and you actually think you are witty and
funny.. but really, you are merely just a childish self absorbed punk.

[shateredsoul]

... chill out

[shmokes]

Xiaou . . . come on . . . I am just trying to understand your apparent burning and everpresent need to take a human life, and exactly why this hunger is so insatiable for you. 

[Xiaou2]

Funny.  Isnt it a future Lawyer debating with me about ethics?!

  You know... those Spineless money grubbing blood suckers who bankrupt the poor,
destroy real justice, and sell their souls to the highest bidder?

 The one who knowingly defend and release the Deviants back into the wilds to
slaughter more?

 Yeah, we know youd leave your wife to the knife, cause they are cheap and easy to
replace when your making huge bank ehh.

[Xiaou2]

Save the replies.  My last post was merely a Button Pushing post.  You know... Mean
in spirit... Completely Outrageous and Unfounded.  Designed to make trouble.
I mean, come on man...  What harm is there in kicking people around? Right?

 Does this behavior surprise?  Its merely a Mirror post.   You know, Im studying to
be just like Shmokes.   I hope he approves.  I tried very hard.  Only problem, is
I feel like a brown sack of crap when I do something like that.  I truly dont know how
he does it...

[shateredsoul]

that last post reminds me of something Cartman would say.. like when he pretended to be handicapped to win the special Olympics cash prize and came last and then tried to claim that he only did it to prove Timmy (a physically handicapped kid who was taking steroids and realized his error when he saw that he was no better than cartman) a lesson on not cheating.

[shmokes]

 and sell their souls to the highest bidder?

Wait . . . I can sell that???  God knows I have no use for it.  Are they valuable?

[danny_galaga]

Congratulations Saint! 

Holy crap, you know stuff!

[Howard_Casto]

 and sell their souls to the highest bidder?

Wait . . . I can sell that???  God knows I have no use for it.  Are they valuable?

Not really... I sold mine on ebay....  How do you think I got the gift card? 


Seriously though as much as I like Xiaou2 and his utter rage at... well everything, I have a hard time taking anyone seriously when they are discussing the merits of joint-based attacks all the while sporting a "tigger" avatar.  I mean you and I are scary evil troll posting things, but at least we have the decency to use bad-ass creepy avatars.  (Or at least I used to)

Of course I'm retired from such fun, no more trolling for me.  Don't get me wrong I might pull the old gal out of moth-balls once in a while are run a couple of laps, but having pissed off every single person of worth on this forum at least once, I think my work here is done. 

[Hoopz]

 and sell their souls to the highest bidder?

Wait . . . I can sell that???  God knows I have no use for it.  Are they valuable?

Not really... I sold mine on ebay....  How do you think I got the gift card? 


Seriously though as much as I like Xiaou2 and his utter rage at... well everything, I have a hard time taking anyone seriously when they are discussing the merits of joint-based attacks all the while sporting a "tigger" avatar.  I mean you and I are scary evil troll posting things, but at least we have the decency to use bad-ass creepy avatars.  (Or at least I used to)

Of course I'm retired from such fun, no more trolling for me.  Don't get me wrong I might pull the old gal out of moth-balls once in a while are run a couple of laps, but having pissed off every single person of worth on this forum at least once, I think my work here is done. 

WTF happened to Howard?  He takes a few months off and comes back totally different.  I'm thinking that X either planted some chips in his brain or he is a new kind of zombie. 

[saint]

Congratulations Saint! 

Holy crap, you know stuff!

Currently I am learning "hopping on one foot" and it's kicking my bottom...

[AtomSmasher]

My brother-in-law was once the Taekwondo world champion and he has several stories of fights that he's been in.  People have tried to mug him at knifepoint...twice, one guy took a swing at him in a parking lot, and there were a couple fights in clubs.  Each story ends with him incapacitating the other guy in a way that doesn't do permanent damage, and in the case of the muggings, he kept the guy pinned on the ground until the police got there.

Point being, if someone is a great martial artist, then they should be able to handle pretty much any situation without causing lethal or permanent damage.

[CCM]

Congrats Saint!!   I've always wanted to take some sort of martial art, but my couch is so comfortable!  Seriously though, a black belt is a great accomplishment you should be proud of.

[northerngames]

could you tell me about your personal favorite:  The forehead Knockout punch...

I was alway's taught that and the top of your head is the hardest part of the body and a good way to break your own hand.

I also am wondering how and why one of the largest brock lesnar 278-LBS of hulk madness and chuck liddel one of the hardest hitters in the world dont use this so called forehead knock out punch.

now I have seen them drop people in the temple and jaw or lower face area from their hooks & straight's but I never seen either of them drop anyone from the forehead knockout punch and just wondering how you go about doing it as I dont see too many pro fighter's aiming for foreheads these day's.

I also suspect you live in neo territory with all them steel toe'd punks running around 

[Howard_Casto]

 and sell their souls to the highest bidder?

Wait . . . I can sell that???  God knows I have no use for it.  Are they valuable?

Not really... I sold mine on ebay....  How do you think I got the gift card? 


Seriously though as much as I like Xiaou2 and his utter rage at... well everything, I have a hard time taking anyone seriously when they are discussing the merits of joint-based attacks all the while sporting a "tigger" avatar.  I mean you and I are scary evil troll posting things, but at least we have the decency to use bad-ass creepy avatars.  (Or at least I used to)

Of course I'm retired from such fun, no more trolling for me.  Don't get me wrong I might pull the old gal out of moth-balls once in a while are run a couple of laps, but having pissed off every single person of worth on this forum at least once, I think my work here is done. 

WTF happened to Howard?  He takes a few months off and comes back totally different.  I'm thinking that X either planted some chips in his brain or he is a new kind of zombie. 

What happened was I took two YEARS off, not a few months.  I popped in for one or two converstaions because someone asked me to, but that was it.  I just have other things going on now and such things don't easily upset me anymore.  Of course I do have an odd craving for brains, but I'm sure that's nothing. 


On a more related note, man Saint, nice avatar!  I know you told me you were taking a break to concentrate on your blackbelt, but I didn't think you meant it literally.  (rim-shot)  Hope you feel better cause that one looks like it'll stick with you for a while.

[Xiaou2]

merits of joint-based attacks all the while sporting a "tigger" avatar.

  Howard, your post made me:      

 As much as I made come off as a raving madd hatter... Im actually a very
calm, relaxed and easy going kinda guy.   I just happen to be very passionate and critical.  

 Im a bit of a perfectionist, and higher truths are my ultimate goals.  I believe I may have a tab bit of OCD as well.

I guess my online persona is simply a single side I choose to display...
probably due to the fact that I choose to keep shallow relations.  
Im slow to open up to people (very cautious), and slow to accept new
friends.  However, In person, I have a good deal of friends and
acquaintances.

 Tigger is a character I loved as a kid.  I was much more bitter back then,
and so maybe that was sort of an inspiring character.  Bouncy, happy, fun.
Heck, I still love him.  Who can resist the Tigger?  hehe   Tho sadly, these
days I feel more like Eor.  ack.

 Maybe the avatar will change, and the old site will be revamped.. when I
stop being so critical, and lazy.

 
 Anyways...  As gentle and understanding as I am... that does not mean
I have to be a pushover.   In my childhood, thats exactly what I was.
A punching bag for the world to smash around.

I was alway's taught that and the top of your head is the hardest part of the body and a good way to break your own hand.

 You were taught correct.  However, there are things that many are not
fully aware of.. which are the reasons, as well as differing methods which
change the game.

 1) Being that the forehead is pure bone, and almost no tissue at all...
means almost nothing is absorbing and dissipating your force.  Its
nearly direct bone to bone conduction, making Excellent and efficient
energy transfer.  Punching a person in the face for example, and the
skin and muscles will squish and move, helping to displace a certain
level of initial impact forces.

 2) If you plan on punching something hard without damaging your
own bones, you need to condition them very well. I train on hard-sand
filled bags mounted to a solid wall.  There is almost no 'give'.. and so
your entire body - from fist to foot, will take up most of the stresses
from the force of impact.    I also punch with a vertical fist, hitting
with the flat face surface (between 1st and 2nd knuckle), and NOT the actual
knuckles themselves. (Note: Also when hitting, angling so that only the bottom
3 knuckle-surface is flat)

 Karate, and many other arts turn the fists over horizontally, and hits with the
pointed ends of the knuckles... but this can do immense damages to
them over time.  Ive seen Karate men that had virtually no trace of
any knuckles - because they ground them completely flat.  I do not
recommend that kind of damage training.
 
3) The punch methodology is very different.  I will shoot a punch from less
than 1ft away... with most of the energy released in the very last
moment of solid impact.   If I were to do the same type of energy release
from a full-draw-back-punch, I just might break my hand... and surely
would take a life.   I used to be scared of releasing anything more
than 3" at full power... so I always limited it to 6" at less than half power.

 Most arts use a punch style which tightens the arm/fist almost
immediately, and moves the body into the strike.  Im WC, and other Chinese
styles, we/they shoot the arm/fist out very fast and relaxed (loose), and only
tighten the muscles at the very last moment of Solid impact.  In this way, we
can generate much more speed in less distance (because of relaxed
muscles),  as well as can Time the "body-tighten" of all our muscles, to
fire ALL in one fraction of a second in time.

 To do the most damages, you want to have the most energy
released in the least amount of time units.  This is called "explosive"
force, and in China, they use the term "Fa Jin".

 Think about it...  5000lbs of force moving at 1/2 mph isnt going to knock a person out.
Water at high speed and intensity can cut through metal.  Heck, so can cloth buffing wheels.
Theoretically, theres a 7lb arm moving at 40 feet per second,  then the combined weight
of 200lbs instantly is applied at impact, that 200lb bomb of mass delivered at probably well
over 200mhp.  (200mph = speed of typical fast muscle "twitch" or "Convulsion")

Many fighters do not develop accurate full-body muscular timing, let alone
on the split-second level. Therefore, they usually lose about 80% of their
intended power levels due to inefficiencies.

 Most fighters can cant land a good shot due to telegraphing... but even then, most times
they can not even get 1/4 their mass into a strike.  A simple example:  Shoot a punch straight
out with your right hand, and at the same time, shoot your left arm sideways.  What happens?
On the surface, it may appear the same to you.  But in reality, your left arms mass was moving
in a completely different vector path, and thus, the total impact force in the intended area, was
lessened on the target you hit with the right fist.  Every Ounce counts.   

 In one example of Fajin where typical hip rotation was used... the hip starts to move one
direction, then at impact, is forced back so that its rotated the other direction - and moved more
'forwards'. (diagonal counter energy)  A typical boxer will rotate the hips to generate upper torso
speed/power.. but then the lower torso mass is basically left out of the equation.  In Fajin, the
lower torso generates upper power, and at impact, will again reconnect and Add to the
Forward-Vector energy blast of power.  This move is not something that is mastered in a day,
and seems unintuitive as heck... but its these kinds of things that make it so much more
powerfully dangerous.


 Yes, Chuck Lidell,  or any typical boxer Can deliver a lethal strike.
But, can they do the same level of power at less than 6"?  How about
3"?   Most have No power at that range at all.  Their power is dull/unfocused.
Blunt force.   With proper Fajin training, they could increase their already
scary distance-power, by over 200%... AND have ability to hit KO force at close range.
(which means, less chance of evasion because of telegraphing)

On a more related note, man Saint, nice avatar!

 Hehe.  I agree.  I laughed though, as I read the quote "Dark Overlord",
and thought it should have read "Foot Loose"    

[Howard_Casto]

Heh, footloose... I love it!

[Xiaou2]

  Saint, you Crack me up!      Opps, that was not appropriate was it?   hehehe      

 Seriously tho, I feel for ya man.  I had an ankle injury that kept re-injuring for about half a year...
and as painful as that was, I cant comprehend what it must be like to end up having an
Avatar like that.

[HaRuMaN]

Hey, I'm a Green Belt in Six Sigma, does that count?

[thatitalian]

I have a black belt (for my suit)... does that count?

[Hoopz]

Hey, I'm a Green Belt in Six Sigma, does that count?

I've got a friend who is a Black Belt in Six Sigma.  I thought he was f'ing with me until he explained it.   

[HaRuMaN]

Hey, I'm a Green Belt in Six Sigma, does that count?

I've got a friend who is a Black Belt in Six Sigma.  I thought he was f'ing with me until he explained it.   

The projects needed to get Black Belt certification are pretty involved...

[pinballwizard79]

Good thing you dont play arcade games with your ankle saint  

Edit: this thread has covered some serious ground too btw 

[saint]

Thread split because I could

[shmokes]

Funny.  Isnt it a future Lawyer debating with me about ethics?!

On that note, I took the ethics portion of the bar exam on Saturday.  I guess I'll find out in about 5 weeks or so whether I'm ethical.   

[HaRuMaN]

Ethical lawyer.  There's an oxymoron.   

[shmokes]

I'm ethical!!!   

[saint]

I'm ethical!!!   

Perhaps, but you're still in training and there's time for law school to beat that out of you yet.

[Vanguard]

It's the money that follows school that makes lawyers unethical, not the school.

[shmokes]

There is, of course, a lot of truth to that.  Sadly not nearly as much as you'd think.  A certain type of person tends to be attracted to law school.  Narcissistic, type A, ultra-competitive, opportunistic, disingenuous, morally relativistic, antagonistic, cocky.  Law school is filled with them, and they were this way before coming to law school.  Even most of the good ones share many of these qualities, but they are just tempered by other lovely qualities.   And the structure of law school encourages it in many ways, bringing these traits out in people who had previously suppressed them. 

But what are ya gonna do?  The world would be a far far worse place without lawyers. 

[protokatie]

 

But what are ya gonna do?  The world would be a far far worse place without lawyers. 

Well, I do like you (even if you think I am 50) but anyone who promotes anything but the "truth" is evil. If there is a heaven, you will be last to enter it. (right after me, of course.)

[shmokes]

Shrug . . . it sounds like I'll be in well before anyone in the advertising industry.  Or the corporate world.  Or auto-mechanics.  Or sales.  Or teenagers.  Or parents.  Or religious leaders.  Or republicans.  Or women.  Or men.   

[RobbyMac]

Meh. Consider it job security with all those unscrupulous people out there.