I would just like to hear what everyone thinks on this.
On the average, men are physically stronger, correct? I'm talking about on the average. I know there are some really big females out there, as well as some smaller men. But on the average, would you say that men are physically stronger than women?
And if you do believe this, I would just like to hear what methods of training do you ladies use taking this into consideration. Do you practice self-defense that would totally depend upon "who is the strongest of the two" or what strategies do you use to get the upper hand on a would be attacker who will more than likely be bigger than you.
Oh, would love to hear from you guys as well. How you train your women students in self-defense and so on.
If this has been brought up on a previous thread, I apologize.
Thanks,
Kristy
muscle to muscle
Moderator: Available
muscle to muscle
Kristy,
Good topic.
I am stronger than most women my size. But being small, I am weaker than most guys I encounter. That's just the fact for me.
I believe in doing alot of bag/focus mitt work to maximize my striking power and to work on combinations, perferably three or more strikes since I can't rely on dropping someone with one strike. There are those who can do "one strike, one kill." I am not one of them. Against stronger opponents, I avoid exactly that... "muscle to muscle." Can't win playing to the opponent's strong point and my weakness.
Instead I focus on my attributes. One is speed. The others are timing, movement/angling. One can improve speed somewhat by learning to RELAX. Timing and angling comes from doing drills with a partner.
Because I would rather avoid power to power I prefer angling/parrying to straight up blocking/clashing. With angling/parrying and correct timing, I can catch bigger guys coming in. This nullifies their reach and increases my power because they are running into my strike. I have dropped bigger guys with proper angling and timing on strikes.
I don't teach though I have female training partners. I am stronger than they are. But when they "catch" me just right... I definitely feel it.
Got to learn to play your attributes, my take on it.
david
Good topic.
I am stronger than most women my size. But being small, I am weaker than most guys I encounter. That's just the fact for me.
I believe in doing alot of bag/focus mitt work to maximize my striking power and to work on combinations, perferably three or more strikes since I can't rely on dropping someone with one strike. There are those who can do "one strike, one kill." I am not one of them. Against stronger opponents, I avoid exactly that... "muscle to muscle." Can't win playing to the opponent's strong point and my weakness.
Instead I focus on my attributes. One is speed. The others are timing, movement/angling. One can improve speed somewhat by learning to RELAX. Timing and angling comes from doing drills with a partner.
Because I would rather avoid power to power I prefer angling/parrying to straight up blocking/clashing. With angling/parrying and correct timing, I can catch bigger guys coming in. This nullifies their reach and increases my power because they are running into my strike. I have dropped bigger guys with proper angling and timing on strikes.
I don't teach though I have female training partners. I am stronger than they are. But when they "catch" me just right... I definitely feel it.
Got to learn to play your attributes, my take on it.
david
-
Gilbert MacIntyre
- Posts: 191
- Joined: Sat Jan 08, 2000 6:01 am
- Location: Sydney, NS, Canada
muscle to muscle
Kristy:
I believe men are stronger then women of course. Larger muscles and all that there can be no debate on that, generally speaking. However when it comes to a confrontation I don't think you are going to have an arm wrestle or left weights. Develope explosive power. See Canna Sensai or Rabesa Sensai.
At our dojo we have a young lady who has been with us since she was about 15. She is now 20 and very good looking. She has drifted away from the karate side of our dojo to the kickboxing side( we teach both, seperatly).
This young woman trains hard with all of us. She has learned how the body works in throwing punches and kicks. Like Rabesa Sensai says, it's the body that does the punching not the arms. She has been on a few kickboxing cards and her opponents are usually helped from the ring. These of course are other women, so one could ask do we still know how powerful she is.
Well stories have made it back to me about the respect she now gets around town. It would seem that a young fellow thought that he would like to get to know her better and was going to make sure she agreed. With lightening speed and great torque she landed a left hook to the side of his face. He was picked up and taken outside to get some air and sent home.
Don't fight into your opponents strengths. Find out what your's are and develope them. Remember speed and proper body mechanics will help you overcome alot.
Gilbert.
I believe men are stronger then women of course. Larger muscles and all that there can be no debate on that, generally speaking. However when it comes to a confrontation I don't think you are going to have an arm wrestle or left weights. Develope explosive power. See Canna Sensai or Rabesa Sensai.
At our dojo we have a young lady who has been with us since she was about 15. She is now 20 and very good looking. She has drifted away from the karate side of our dojo to the kickboxing side( we teach both, seperatly).
This young woman trains hard with all of us. She has learned how the body works in throwing punches and kicks. Like Rabesa Sensai says, it's the body that does the punching not the arms. She has been on a few kickboxing cards and her opponents are usually helped from the ring. These of course are other women, so one could ask do we still know how powerful she is.
Well stories have made it back to me about the respect she now gets around town. It would seem that a young fellow thought that he would like to get to know her better and was going to make sure she agreed. With lightening speed and great torque she landed a left hook to the side of his face. He was picked up and taken outside to get some air and sent home.
Don't fight into your opponents strengths. Find out what your's are and develope them. Remember speed and proper body mechanics will help you overcome alot.
Gilbert.
muscle to muscle
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kristy:
On the average, men are physically stronger, correct?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
yep...
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
Of course I don't practice to go "toe-to-toe" with one of these brutes!
Since all these guys like to flex their big muscles, the strategy is to use their own strength against them. Make them commit to a technique and then help them "over" commit. Kyusho or pressure-points or atemi-waza or whatever you want to call it works particularly well on well-muscled macho-men! Evade, avoid, dodge. Use soft responses against hard punches & kicks. Use hard strikes (fingernails can be fun ) against soft targets.
Panther interjects:
Learn to "get inside". As an experiment, have the biggest and best punch and kick a heavy bag (or focus mitt or what-have-you) from their most comfortable distance, then have them do the same exercise again, except they can't adjust the distance and you put them within an inch of the target... Even the 1" punchers will lose some of their "umph". Any fighter that can learn to successfully "get inside" will reap the benefits of being so close to all of their opponent's vital points.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
2) Any opponent can be defeated.
3) Do not defeat yourself!
4) Make your attacker work hard, while you use "conservation of motion". Then your attacker will wear down and end up defeated and tired.
5) There is no such thing as a "dirty" or "clean" fight! Your only goal is survival.
6) Anything can and should be used as a weapon. Especially your surroundings.
7) Do not leave your attacker in a position to continue the attack. Do not think about the attacker's well-being, the attacker wasn't thinking of yours... therefore, make certain that when you stop the attack that you have definitely stopped the attack.
Those are some general rules. Sorry, but giving more specifics could cause someone to misunderstand, misconstrue or misuse.
[This message has been edited by Panther (edited June 14, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Panther (edited June 14, 2000).]
On the average, men are physically stronger, correct?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
yep...
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
yep...... on the average, would you say that men are physically stronger than women?
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
Here's what Mrs. Panther has to say:And if you do believe this, I would just like to hear what methods of training do you ladies use taking this into consideration. Do you practice self-defense that would totally depend upon "who is the strongest of the two" or what strategies do you use to get the upper hand on a would be attacker who will more than likely be bigger than you.
Of course I don't practice to go "toe-to-toe" with one of these brutes!
Since all these guys like to flex their big muscles, the strategy is to use their own strength against them. Make them commit to a technique and then help them "over" commit. Kyusho or pressure-points or atemi-waza or whatever you want to call it works particularly well on well-muscled macho-men! Evade, avoid, dodge. Use soft responses against hard punches & kicks. Use hard strikes (fingernails can be fun ) against soft targets. Panther interjects:
Learn to "get inside". As an experiment, have the biggest and best punch and kick a heavy bag (or focus mitt or what-have-you) from their most comfortable distance, then have them do the same exercise again, except they can't adjust the distance and you put them within an inch of the target... Even the 1" punchers will lose some of their "umph". Any fighter that can learn to successfully "get inside" will reap the benefits of being so close to all of their opponent's vital points.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
1) Women are not weaker than men... they just have different strengths and must use them in different ways.Oh, would love to hear from you guys as well. How you train your women students in self-defense and so on.
2) Any opponent can be defeated.
3) Do not defeat yourself!
4) Make your attacker work hard, while you use "conservation of motion". Then your attacker will wear down and end up defeated and tired.
5) There is no such thing as a "dirty" or "clean" fight! Your only goal is survival.
6) Anything can and should be used as a weapon. Especially your surroundings.
7) Do not leave your attacker in a position to continue the attack. Do not think about the attacker's well-being, the attacker wasn't thinking of yours... therefore, make certain that when you stop the attack that you have definitely stopped the attack.
Those are some general rules. Sorry, but giving more specifics could cause someone to misunderstand, misconstrue or misuse.
[This message has been edited by Panther (edited June 14, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Panther (edited June 14, 2000).]
muscle to muscle
Definitely a good topic - one I believe was brought up in the early days of this forum - but well worth re-visiting. Something also discussed in threads discussing facing larger opponents, regardless of gender.
david-san - thanks for sharing your tips - from getting to know you over the forums and via your reputation, I value your input very much.
Gilber-san - a seconding of what I feel to be most important - maximizing individual strengths - a point well made.
Two relevant issues in this thread:
1) Training in ways to minimize the disadvantage of lesser strength or body size.
2) Playing your attributes, and developing your own strengths. (Well pointed out by david and Gilbert!)
Number 1 can really be taken care of in number 2 - however there are many ways a woman can develop strength beyond what she believes possible. Weight training is one way - I got a great weight routine from Natalie (you still out there Natalie?) that I found very helpful and practiced diligently until my car accident. I don't delude myself into thinking that I can become some kind of "iron woman" - but I know that I developed my strength beyond what I expected initially. Also, weight training is not really crucial to becoming a good martial artist - it is only an aspect that some may wish to pursue. I was one of those. David Elkins sensei is a great resource for cross training methods.
Another way of "bridging the gap" is to increase endurance - my way to do this was through running. And I HATED running. But I forced myself to get in a mile a day - (had to walk most of it at first) then worked myself up to five a day, five or six times a week. That's a little heavy - but I enjoyed what it did for my endurance in power kata, and also for sparring matches. I'm sure that practice and experience in sparring helped, but before I started running I would get winded a minute or so into the match - at the peak of my running a three minute match was a breeze (breath wise!)
Again, not necessary to become an effective martial artist - only helpful in my book. The cross training forum has some excellent threads about the wheres and whyfores of supplementing karate practice.
Now, as for the second and I feel more important way of dealing with differences: maximizing individual talents. Lack of size and strength does not have to be a hindrance, and try as we wish to develop strength - there is always a limit - and there will always be, as Liam Neeson said in Phantom Menace a bigger fish. (Excuse the reference, but my kids have been subjecting me to repeated viewings of that video lately!) But every big fish has it's own weakness, and every little fish has it's strengths. Maybe speed, cunning, maneuverability - who knows? I've always believed that martial arts, when used in conflict, is all about exploiting the weaknesses in the opponent and maximizing the strengths in oneself.
Not to be overlooked is developing "explosive power" the kind epitomized in Canna Sensei's TC workouts - and which are definitely accessible to any martial artist who can "do the time" and stick with it. Power kata is incredibly demanding, torturing, and beats the hell out of you - but the rewards are there for the taking if one is willing to put enough time and effort into the methods.
This is just my take on the strength difference issue - how about some others?
Peace,
Lori
david-san - thanks for sharing your tips - from getting to know you over the forums and via your reputation, I value your input very much.
Gilber-san - a seconding of what I feel to be most important - maximizing individual strengths - a point well made.
Two relevant issues in this thread:
1) Training in ways to minimize the disadvantage of lesser strength or body size.
2) Playing your attributes, and developing your own strengths. (Well pointed out by david and Gilbert!)
Number 1 can really be taken care of in number 2 - however there are many ways a woman can develop strength beyond what she believes possible. Weight training is one way - I got a great weight routine from Natalie (you still out there Natalie?) that I found very helpful and practiced diligently until my car accident. I don't delude myself into thinking that I can become some kind of "iron woman" - but I know that I developed my strength beyond what I expected initially. Also, weight training is not really crucial to becoming a good martial artist - it is only an aspect that some may wish to pursue. I was one of those. David Elkins sensei is a great resource for cross training methods.
Another way of "bridging the gap" is to increase endurance - my way to do this was through running. And I HATED running. But I forced myself to get in a mile a day - (had to walk most of it at first) then worked myself up to five a day, five or six times a week. That's a little heavy - but I enjoyed what it did for my endurance in power kata, and also for sparring matches. I'm sure that practice and experience in sparring helped, but before I started running I would get winded a minute or so into the match - at the peak of my running a three minute match was a breeze (breath wise!)
Again, not necessary to become an effective martial artist - only helpful in my book. The cross training forum has some excellent threads about the wheres and whyfores of supplementing karate practice.
Now, as for the second and I feel more important way of dealing with differences: maximizing individual talents. Lack of size and strength does not have to be a hindrance, and try as we wish to develop strength - there is always a limit - and there will always be, as Liam Neeson said in Phantom Menace a bigger fish. (Excuse the reference, but my kids have been subjecting me to repeated viewings of that video lately!) But every big fish has it's own weakness, and every little fish has it's strengths. Maybe speed, cunning, maneuverability - who knows? I've always believed that martial arts, when used in conflict, is all about exploiting the weaknesses in the opponent and maximizing the strengths in oneself.
Not to be overlooked is developing "explosive power" the kind epitomized in Canna Sensei's TC workouts - and which are definitely accessible to any martial artist who can "do the time" and stick with it. Power kata is incredibly demanding, torturing, and beats the hell out of you - but the rewards are there for the taking if one is willing to put enough time and effort into the methods.
This is just my take on the strength difference issue - how about some others?
Peace,
Lori
muscle to muscle
Panther-san,
Just saw your excellent post after mine was added - didn't mean to re-phrase some of what you already said so well!
And the points you added are on the mark as always - thanks for honoring this forum with your expertise!
Just saw your excellent post after mine was added - didn't mean to re-phrase some of what you already said so well!
And the points you added are on the mark as always - thanks for honoring this forum with your expertise!
muscle to muscle
Thank you, Lori-sempai.
After reading your post, I hope that Kristy and others will realize that I'm a little "off base". The topic seems to really refer mainly to training differences and most folks I know make that distinction. However, IMNSHO, any training for self-defense (whether a "classical" MA or one of the modern "self-defense" schools) should be completely applicable. Which means, in truth, that when things get put "on the street", survival isn't pretty and it isn't polite!
For example:
in the dojo, it is very hard to think in terms of my rule #5... every woman needs to understand and practice those dirty little devastating techniques (even if it's on a dummy or somehow improvised) so that they are part of the arsenal on the street.
in the dojo, rule #6 can be practiced... on the street, improvisation is the key and the environment/potential are completely different than the dojo.
in the dojo, it is very hard to follow my rule #7... on the street, a woman had better follow rule #7! So, when she's in the dojo, I've always had women finish each technique with something (controlled) that can incapacitate.
Side note: I quit teaching formally many years ago (long story)... I had a young woman, early teens actually who I taught from ~9 to ~14 years old. Her family moved away shortly before I stopped teaching formally. Fast forward ~6-7 years... We're sitting at home and out of nowhere this young former student calls. She's tracked me down through a move and called to tell me that she had recently survived an attempted assault at college. (Yeah, I still puff up like a peacock when I think about it. ) She had never stopped doing kata and techniques, but had also never found a new dojo/sensei... however, when she was assaulted on her way to her car one night, she dispatched the perp, called 911 and had him arrested... she was just calling (long distance) to say "thank you"! 
Now, if the dojo or the men don't understand the differences that the women need in their training, then don't waste your time with closed minds. BTW, IMNSHO, some techniques that are specifically geared for women against men, the women should go off and practice without the men! No need to give away all your secrets.
After reading your post, I hope that Kristy and others will realize that I'm a little "off base". The topic seems to really refer mainly to training differences and most folks I know make that distinction. However, IMNSHO, any training for self-defense (whether a "classical" MA or one of the modern "self-defense" schools) should be completely applicable. Which means, in truth, that when things get put "on the street", survival isn't pretty and it isn't polite!
For example:
in the dojo, it is very hard to think in terms of my rule #5... every woman needs to understand and practice those dirty little devastating techniques (even if it's on a dummy or somehow improvised) so that they are part of the arsenal on the street.
in the dojo, rule #6 can be practiced... on the street, improvisation is the key and the environment/potential are completely different than the dojo.
in the dojo, it is very hard to follow my rule #7... on the street, a woman had better follow rule #7! So, when she's in the dojo, I've always had women finish each technique with something (controlled) that can incapacitate.
Side note: I quit teaching formally many years ago (long story)... I had a young woman, early teens actually who I taught from ~9 to ~14 years old. Her family moved away shortly before I stopped teaching formally. Fast forward ~6-7 years... We're sitting at home and out of nowhere this young former student calls. She's tracked me down through a move and called to tell me that she had recently survived an attempted assault at college. (Yeah, I still puff up like a peacock when I think about it.
) She had never stopped doing kata and techniques, but had also never found a new dojo/sensei... however, when she was assaulted on her way to her car one night, she dispatched the perp, called 911 and had him arrested... she was just calling (long distance) to say "thank you"! Now, if the dojo or the men don't understand the differences that the women need in their training, then don't waste your time with closed minds.
BTW, IMNSHO, some techniques that are specifically geared for women against men, the women should go off and practice without the men! No need to give away all your secrets. muscle to muscle
A short note, Lori-Sensei, on one point: endurance training.
Long Slow Distance will give you a good aerobic base, which is essential, but it will teach your slow twitch muscles to react and possibly let your fast twitch musculature atrophy some, if you only train aerobically in Long Slow Distance!
So don't do that.
After you have attained a respectable aerobic base, look to tweak it up and additionally train your fast twictch muscles by doing interval training: aerobic training that adds intervals of intense, anaerobic effort during the aerobic workout. If you can do it in a way that mimics the movements you will need for your sport or combat, so much the better. But primarily you have to have something that elevates your heartbeat to a training rate and periodically skyrockets it to anaerobic training - moderate/fast/moderate/fast....
Hmmmmm. We could call it kata....
student
[This message has been edited by student (edited June 14, 2000).]
Long Slow Distance will give you a good aerobic base, which is essential, but it will teach your slow twitch muscles to react and possibly let your fast twitch musculature atrophy some, if you only train aerobically in Long Slow Distance!
So don't do that.
After you have attained a respectable aerobic base, look to tweak it up and additionally train your fast twictch muscles by doing interval training: aerobic training that adds intervals of intense, anaerobic effort during the aerobic workout. If you can do it in a way that mimics the movements you will need for your sport or combat, so much the better. But primarily you have to have something that elevates your heartbeat to a training rate and periodically skyrockets it to anaerobic training - moderate/fast/moderate/fast....
Hmmmmm. We could call it kata....
student
[This message has been edited by student (edited June 14, 2000).]
muscle to muscle
Kyusho or pressure-points or atemi-waza or whatever you want to call it works particularly well on well-muscled macho-men!
I agree Panther and I suppose this was where I was trying to lead this discussion. I totally practice kyusho! And to me, kata is very important in self-defense.
I suppose I would like to throw out this statement for discussion. And that is that street criminals can be very dangerous. They have a different mentality than the average person. Many are on drugs or just insane. I have witnessed on the news how a 45 calibur gun would not even phase some criminals. And I ask myself, if a 45 can't stop them, how can a punch or kick from a woman OR a man even phase them, even if the punch is thrown with the body or not, whether they lift weights or not. People can develop great physical strenth, But they can't develop a tolerance against nerve strikes and so on.
What do you girls think? Please understand that I'm not trying to argue or anything. I just feel like maybe it's a good point to bring up. Sorry, if I offend anyone. :-)
With much respect,
Kristy
I agree Panther and I suppose this was where I was trying to lead this discussion. I totally practice kyusho! And to me, kata is very important in self-defense.
I suppose I would like to throw out this statement for discussion. And that is that street criminals can be very dangerous. They have a different mentality than the average person. Many are on drugs or just insane. I have witnessed on the news how a 45 calibur gun would not even phase some criminals. And I ask myself, if a 45 can't stop them, how can a punch or kick from a woman OR a man even phase them, even if the punch is thrown with the body or not, whether they lift weights or not. People can develop great physical strenth, But they can't develop a tolerance against nerve strikes and so on.
What do you girls think? Please understand that I'm not trying to argue or anything. I just feel like maybe it's a good point to bring up. Sorry, if I offend anyone. :-)
With much respect,
Kristy
muscle to muscle
Panther-san,
Not "off-base" at all - these things happen within the tapestry of these threads - the warp and woof of intertwining patterns launch new designs of their own - happens a lot!
Your post speaks of a subject near and dear to my heart - reality in training - especially as applies to women. This thread started addressing both and turned to a "bridging the gap" type of training - I'm going to start a new thread with your "rules" (which are great by the way) in hopes of eliciting more discussion on reality-based training for women within the framework of the dojo.
Congratulations on that success with your former student - my sensei has remarked once or twice that as teachers we can never know how much influence we have had in our students' lives - it's really great to hear something so positive coming from something you probably didn't realize had taken such deep roots.
Student-san,
Thanks for the tips! When I was really into the running I had posted some questions about that same subject in Tom Seabourne's forum - and received a similar response! I don't usually go too much into my whole training routine but I did have some anaerobic interval workouts in there with three times a week teaching aqua aerobics... and after teaching class I often played with kata in various depths of the pool - interesting!
For now alas all of that must wait during this healing phase (car accident). The new training theme for me instead of "enhancement" is "recovery" - a whole new adventure. But your recommendations are welcome and certainly apply to a well-rounded training routine - thanks for adding them here.
Peace,
Lori
Not "off-base" at all - these things happen within the tapestry of these threads - the warp and woof of intertwining patterns launch new designs of their own - happens a lot!
Your post speaks of a subject near and dear to my heart - reality in training - especially as applies to women. This thread started addressing both and turned to a "bridging the gap" type of training - I'm going to start a new thread with your "rules" (which are great by the way) in hopes of eliciting more discussion on reality-based training for women within the framework of the dojo.
Congratulations on that success with your former student - my sensei has remarked once or twice that as teachers we can never know how much influence we have had in our students' lives - it's really great to hear something so positive coming from something you probably didn't realize had taken such deep roots.
Student-san,
Thanks for the tips! When I was really into the running I had posted some questions about that same subject in Tom Seabourne's forum - and received a similar response! I don't usually go too much into my whole training routine but I did have some anaerobic interval workouts in there with three times a week teaching aqua aerobics... and after teaching class I often played with kata in various depths of the pool - interesting!
For now alas all of that must wait during this healing phase (car accident). The new training theme for me instead of "enhancement" is "recovery" - a whole new adventure. But your recommendations are welcome and certainly apply to a well-rounded training routine - thanks for adding them here.
Peace,
Lori
muscle to muscle
Kristy-san,
Looks like our last couple posts hit at the same time! I'm glad to see another woman becoming more active on this forum (hey Lori-san, Mary-san et. al, when you recover enough from those TC's at the Atlantic summer camp - we'd love to hear from you too!)
Please do not apologize for bringing up this topic! (My sensei always taught us - don't aplogize, never make excuses, and above all, don't get caught!) I'm glad you introduced it.
Your point about kyusho intrigues me - it is one of the things I zeroed in on in my one seminar with Evan Sensei - he makes a very valid point that a few simple techniques practiced and executed via Kyusho type applications may be all that can work against a larger, or chemical influenced assailant. The trick is, as I see it - to make these responses so automatic that they can still come out under the "chemical cockatail dump" that happens under the stress of an attack. So - that can only come from serious and repetitive practice, and, IMNSHO serious "mindset" training. Incorporating kyusho strikes with mindset and reality based training seems to be a formidable way of self-defense training! Not so easy for many of us to avail of this type of training however... which is why I am a regualar reader of the kyusho and the realities forums myself!
Peace,
Lori
Looks like our last couple posts hit at the same time! I'm glad to see another woman becoming more active on this forum (hey Lori-san, Mary-san et. al, when you recover enough from those TC's at the Atlantic summer camp - we'd love to hear from you too!)
Please do not apologize for bringing up this topic! (My sensei always taught us - don't aplogize, never make excuses, and above all, don't get caught!)
I'm glad you introduced it.Your point about kyusho intrigues me - it is one of the things I zeroed in on in my one seminar with Evan Sensei - he makes a very valid point that a few simple techniques practiced and executed via Kyusho type applications may be all that can work against a larger, or chemical influenced assailant. The trick is, as I see it - to make these responses so automatic that they can still come out under the "chemical cockatail dump" that happens under the stress of an attack. So - that can only come from serious and repetitive practice, and, IMNSHO serious "mindset" training. Incorporating kyusho strikes with mindset and reality based training seems to be a formidable way of self-defense training! Not so easy for many of us to avail of this type of training however... which is why I am a regualar reader of the kyusho and the realities forums myself!
Peace,
Lori
muscle to muscle
I am glad to be a part of this forum now. I immediately check in here after reading the kyusho forum!
Kristy
Kristy
-
Tony-San
muscle to muscle
Physical strength is irrelivent in my opinion. As Karateka, our power should be in a refined technique. The source of power in a refined technique is common to everyone so everyone (and everything for that matter) posseses the same potential as everyone else. I feel that the most important aspect of training is being able to express your mood in your Kata. In this way, you get more and more in touch with your feelings and get closer to becoming a conduit of primordial energy. When you begin to practice this way, you realize that physical conditioning must be done, not to withstand the obstacles you encounter in the world, but withstand the unbelieveable ferocity you are capable of producing.
The spirit of war hath no gender...
Tony
The spirit of war hath no gender...
Tony
muscle to muscle
The pain from the weekend workout has subsided a bit and I have been eye-balling this thread for a while now. I do have a few random comments on this subject.
I think a lot of the problems that are experienced in the dojo-setting come down to our own self-perception and how we, in turn, are then perceived by others. If you are not confident, how in the world do you expect to give off an aura of confidence? If you do not work out to your fullest capabilities and beyond, where is the incentive for someone to want to work out with you? When I see someone pushing themselves I want to push too. I want some of the fire they have in their bellies.
I personally think strength sometimes have very little to do with body size and shape. I have worked out with smaller individuals who are a lot stronger than I and who have much more understanding of their power. I have worked out with bigger individuals who have less strength than me and have not learned how to use their power. I have seen smaller people simply overwhelm larger people and, of course, visa-versa. You have to find the aspects of your karate that work for you and attitude IS everything!
Like all things in the realm of "MY" karate, I have tried to keep this gender non-specific. When I walk through the doors of the dojo I consider myself to be a student. That is the ONLY label I allow myself to be tagged with at the dojo...ego (male or female) and sexism are not tolerated at my dojo. Those things waste valuable time and clutter up the learning space in the brain. I am sure the "boys" at my club have never thought they can't do something because they are "boys". In my very short Uechi career I have only had one comment "you do good kata - for a girl". My response was "and you punch pretty good - for a boy". There hasn't been another comment like that since.
I have just one other comment on one of Panther's rule....self-defeatism....simply because I think it ties in well here. I remember going through a kumite with a friend at the dojo before one of her kyu tests. She was struggling with her pre-arranged kumite. Another student and I worked with her over and over again to spark that fire in her belly. Every time we would start the kumite, she would shake her head and mumble to herself "I'll never get this". Finally my male counterpart turned to her and said "Ya know something? You're right, you have defeated yourself." and he walked away. Harsh perhaps, but it certainly gave her the incentive to try harder. That has stayed with me for a long long time and I learned a valuable lesson from it. The only person who can defeat you, is you.
There....I'm done!
[This message has been edited by Mary S (edited June 15, 2000).]
I think a lot of the problems that are experienced in the dojo-setting come down to our own self-perception and how we, in turn, are then perceived by others. If you are not confident, how in the world do you expect to give off an aura of confidence? If you do not work out to your fullest capabilities and beyond, where is the incentive for someone to want to work out with you? When I see someone pushing themselves I want to push too. I want some of the fire they have in their bellies.
I personally think strength sometimes have very little to do with body size and shape. I have worked out with smaller individuals who are a lot stronger than I and who have much more understanding of their power. I have worked out with bigger individuals who have less strength than me and have not learned how to use their power. I have seen smaller people simply overwhelm larger people and, of course, visa-versa. You have to find the aspects of your karate that work for you and attitude IS everything!
Like all things in the realm of "MY" karate, I have tried to keep this gender non-specific. When I walk through the doors of the dojo I consider myself to be a student. That is the ONLY label I allow myself to be tagged with at the dojo...ego (male or female) and sexism are not tolerated at my dojo. Those things waste valuable time and clutter up the learning space in the brain. I am sure the "boys" at my club have never thought they can't do something because they are "boys". In my very short Uechi career I have only had one comment "you do good kata - for a girl". My response was "and you punch pretty good - for a boy". There hasn't been another comment like that since.
I have just one other comment on one of Panther's rule....self-defeatism....simply because I think it ties in well here. I remember going through a kumite with a friend at the dojo before one of her kyu tests. She was struggling with her pre-arranged kumite. Another student and I worked with her over and over again to spark that fire in her belly. Every time we would start the kumite, she would shake her head and mumble to herself "I'll never get this". Finally my male counterpart turned to her and said "Ya know something? You're right, you have defeated yourself." and he walked away. Harsh perhaps, but it certainly gave her the incentive to try harder. That has stayed with me for a long long time and I learned a valuable lesson from it. The only person who can defeat you, is you.
There....I'm done!
[This message has been edited by Mary S (edited June 15, 2000).]
-
Tony-San
muscle to muscle
Jake,
When I was in the military, I learned how to set a trap with parachute cord and a big log that would kill a bear (actually, it would injure the bear, you and your crew had to go stab it to death once it was down) and feed a squad fresh meat for 4 days waiting for extraction.
Obviously, a bear is stronger than I....but...
I'm like David...a small guy...alot of women are actually stronger than me. I must compensate for this lack of strength with Will, Wit and Conviction. What else can I do? Be afraid? Turn into a cowering maggot?
not!
Tony
When I was in the military, I learned how to set a trap with parachute cord and a big log that would kill a bear (actually, it would injure the bear, you and your crew had to go stab it to death once it was down) and feed a squad fresh meat for 4 days waiting for extraction.
Obviously, a bear is stronger than I....but...
I'm like David...a small guy...alot of women are actually stronger than me. I must compensate for this lack of strength with Will, Wit and Conviction. What else can I do? Be afraid? Turn into a cowering maggot?
not!
Tony
