Creating my own Martial Art - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Creating my own Martial Art

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
MechaPilot
May 07, 2009 21:35:27 I don't know if any of you have ever tried this before, but I'm designing my own martial art. In the tradition of the kung fu masters of old, I have chosen a creature to emulate; and I'm wondering if anyone knows any of good resource material. I have a book on accupuncture to learn about pressure points, and I've got the quintessential martial arts book The Tao of Jeet Kun Do. Are there any other books/materials I should be looking into?
#2
pigknight
May 07, 2009 21:38:53 Do you know martial arts already?
#3
quantaeus_dup
May 07, 2009 21:39:49 Martial Arts for Dummies is good.

Acupressure & Reflexology For Dummies, and so is this one.
#4
MechaPilot
May 07, 2009 21:45:20
Do you know martial arts already?

I have studied Issinryu for about 2 years. It was good, but I believe that physical combat (even the non-violent discipline of the martial arts) should reflect the personality of the martial artist. Bruce described it as a method of expressing oneself in motion, like a dance, and I believe that is fitting. Issinryu was an enjoyable way to get exercise and learn about combat, but it did not feel like it was truly my way. This new way does feel like I'm being myself, and it's a feeling I greatly enjoy.

@ Quantaeus: Thank you, I will have to head to my local bookstore to check those out.
#5
quantaeus_dup
May 07, 2009 21:51:15 I studied Muay Thai briefly as an exchange student when I went to Thailand, and Shuai Jiao/Karate while in China. Sadly I only spent a year with Muay Thai, three for Shuai Jiao and seven with Karate. I wish I had more time to spend these days, I exercise when I can. I still practice the odd kata every now and then when I can squeeze one or two in.
#6
MechaPilot
May 07, 2009 22:00:33
I studied Muay Thai briefly as an exchange student when I went to Thailand, and Shuai Jiao/Karate while in China. Sadly I only spent a year with Muay Thai, three for Shuai Jiao and seven with Karate. I wish I had more time to spend these days, I exercise when I can. I still practice the odd kata every now and then when I can squeeze one or two in.

Compared to my own, that is a significant martial arts background. I have seen Muay Thai in televised bouts, but I do not know of Shuai Jiao. As for the Karate, the one I studied was created post-WWII, I assume the style(s) you studied are older. There are definitely parts of the Okinawan fighting arts that appeal to me. In particular, I will be keeping the vertical punch from Issinryu.
#7
zombie_babies
May 08, 2009 9:03:35
I believe that physical combat (even the non-violent discipline of the martial arts) should reflect the personality of the martial artist. Bruce described it as a method of expressing oneself in motion, like a dance, and I believe that is fitting.

Practice any martial art long enough and it will. It has to. If it doesn't, you're not doing it right. ;) The reason I say that is that it's truly the case. If you look like everyone else or a copy of what you've seen, then you haven't understood what was being taught. Copying what you see indicates that you do not know what you're doing. No matter what style you practice, in order to fully understand what it is you're trying to do, your technique must reflect who you are.

I also fully believe that five or seven years is not nearly enough time to really understand what you're supposed to. So, you probably wouldn't feel like you are coming through in that amount of time. You should, however, feel that you're beginning to understand it.

Personally, I see no need for a new martial art. After about 19 years of practicing, I've put plenty of my personality into my style (perhaps too much in certain instances :P). Still, I find it incredibly interesting that someone would try this. I think it's pretty damned cool, actually. So, while I may not see the same need as you, I do wish you luck. That said, here's some advice: Focus on the basics - stance (footwork - your base for everything) and power (twist and timing - if you don't have this, you have nothing). Also keep in mind that martial arts should be natural and movement should be limited to only what's needed (economy of motion). Good luck. :D
#8
MechaPilot
May 08, 2009 15:13:35
Practice any martial art long enough and it will. It has to. If it doesn't, you're not doing it right. ;) The reason I say that is that it's truly the case. If you look like everyone else or a copy of what you've seen, then you haven't understood what was being taught. Copying what you see indicates that you do not know what you're doing. No matter what style you practice, in order to fully understand what it is you're trying to do, your technique must reflect who you are.

I also fully believe that five or seven years is not nearly enough time to really understand what you're supposed to. So, you probably wouldn't feel like you are coming through in that amount of time. You should, however, feel that you're beginning to understand it.

Personally, I see no need for a new martial art. After about 19 years of practicing, I've put plenty of my personality into my style (perhaps too much in certain instances :P). Still, I find it incredibly interesting that someone would try this. I think it's pretty damned cool, actually. So, while I may not see the same need as you, I do wish you luck. That said, here's some advice: Focus on the basics - stance (footwork - your base for everything) and power (twist and timing - if you don't have this, you have nothing). Also keep in mind that martial arts should be natural and movement should be limited to only what's needed (economy of motion). Good luck. :D

I respect your opinion, and you may well be correct when you say that my particaluar nature wil eventually shine though any style I choose to study. I also recognize that I may need to return to the formal study of one or more styles as part of my research. That being said, I still feel compelled to try. I may fail, but if I do, I will be better read and have gotten some good exercise in the process.

Your comments about the basics are quite wise, and they will serve me well as part of the skeleton upon which my new art will be built. Thank you for wishing me luck.
#9
zombie_babies
May 08, 2009 15:19:22
I respect your opinion, and you may well be correct when you say that my particaluar nature wil eventually shine though any style I choose to study. I also recognize that I may need to return to the formal study of one or more styles as part of my research. That being said, I still feel compelled to try. I may fail, but if I do, I will be better read and have gotten some good exercise in the process.

Your comments about the basics are quite wise, and they will serve me well as part of the skeleton upon which my new art will be built. Thank you for wishing me luck.

It sounds to me like you have the right attitude to make at least something out of this - even if that something is "only" a bit of personal discovery. ;) To lessen the bite of my statements about my feelings regarding the "need" for a new martial art - if it's any consolation, I'd have told the same thing to Bruce Lee if he was some guy posting on the net. :P If you don't mind, keep us posted. It's interesting to me and I'd like to hear updates about your research and progress. I'll also help however I can by answering any questions I'm able to or offering an opinion if asked. You're taking up a project few would dare touch seriously. It's compelling. :D
#10
MechaPilot
May 08, 2009 15:40:27
It sounds to me like you have the right attitude to make at least something out of this - even if that something is "only" a bit of personal discovery. ;) To lessen the bite of my statements about my feelings regarding the "need" for a new martial art - if it's any consolation, I'd have told the same thing to Bruce Lee if he was some guy posting on the net. :P If you don't mind, keep us posted. It's interesting to me and I'd like to hear updates about your research and progress. I'll also help however I can by answering any questions I'm able to or offering an opinion if asked. You're taking up a project few would dare touch seriously. It's compelling. :D

Thank you. I will do my best to keep this thread up to date, since there is actual interest in the topic.

The first thing you should probably know is the creature I chose to base my new style upon. The scorpion. I see the claws representing joint locks reminiscent of Chin Na, while the tail inspired me to design a "stinging fist" for striking pressure points and attacking chi pathways. The scorpion is a clever predator that relies on its controlling grip and its sting to subdue enemies. This is a method that I find most appealing.

My first attempt at a pressurepoint attack (back in the days when I was still formally taking Issinryu) worked very well. I found a point on the front face of the shoulder that can be used to temporarily paralyze that arm. At that time, I hit the point with a spearhand strike. I believe the new stinging fist will give me greater accuracy at hitting pressure points and can allow the attack to wrap around part of an interveining limb.
#11
zombie_babies
May 08, 2009 15:51:51 Pressure points are good target. There's another on the arm at the elbow that - when gripped properly - will cause the grip-ee's hand to involutarily relax. That means they drop whatever's in it. ;) I know a few more, but the styles I am most familiar with don't do a ton with 'em. They require a pretty high level of accuracy to engage reliably. I do recall seeing a style (may have been something Okinawan) that used what was basically a stick as a weapon to strike these points. If you know what you're doing, it's pretty damned good stuff. Aikido and Hapkido would be good bases for research into joint locks and the like. That stuff works. Trust me. :D
#12
MechaPilot
May 08, 2009 15:58:56
Pressure points are good target. There's another on the arm at the elbow that - when gripped properly - will cause the grip-ee's hand to involutarily relax. That means they drop whatever's in it. ;) I know a few more, but the styles I am most familiar with don't do a ton with 'em. They require a pretty high level of accuracy to engage reliably. I do recall seeing a style (may have been something Okinawan) that used what was basically a stick as a weapon to strike these points. If you know what you're doing, it's pretty damned good stuff. Aikido and Hapkido would be good bases for research into joint locks and the like. That stuff works. Trust me. :D

Thank you. I have heard of both Aikido and Hapkido, but I did not know that Hapkido invoked pressure points to be as effective as it is. As for the stick, I believe Hapkido practioners learn to fight with a cane or walking stick (about half the length of a typical bo staff); but I know very little else about it. I will have to look into both of those styles.
#13
zombie_babies
May 08, 2009 16:02:57
Thank you. I have heard of both Aikido and Hapkido, but I did not know that Hapkido invoked pressure points to be as effective as it is. As for the stick, I believe Hapkido practioners learn to fight with a cane or walking stick (about half the length of a typical bo staff); but I know very little else about it. I will have to look into both of those styles.

Most of the Hapkido I've done worked with joint locks. I think that pressure points and joint locks will work well together.

The stick I'm talking about (and I should have described it better) was no more than 8" long. I wish I could remember the style ...
#14
MechaPilot
May 08, 2009 16:07:48
Most of the Hapkido I've done worked with joint locks. I think that pressure points and joint locks will work well together.

The stick I'm talking about (and I should have described it better) was no more than 8" long. I wish I could remember the style ...

Ah, thank you for the clarification about Hapkido. I do agree, joint locks should work quite well with pressure points, as it seems to with the creature in question. As for the stick, the smallest stick-like weapon I'm familiar with is the escrima stick. But that's far longer than the one you describe.
#15
zombie_babies
May 08, 2009 16:10:28
Ah, thank you for the clarification about Hapkido. I do agree, joint locks should work quite well with pressure points, as it seems to with the creature in question. As for the stick, the smallest stick-like weapon I'm familiar with is the escrima stick. But that's far longer than the one you describe.

Yeah, it wasn't escrima (that's some cool stuff, too!). I can't remember what else we were learning at the time. I'm from a school that believes in cross-training. We're not a weapon style, but we've learned a few. We're also not a grappling style, but we've learned some Judo, Hapkido and practice ground work. When I saw this stick, we were learning one weapon or another. I can't for the life of me remember which ones. If I did, it may help narrow this down. Oh well ...
#16
MechaPilot
May 08, 2009 16:31:03
Yeah, it wasn't escrima (that's some cool stuff, too!). I can't remember what else we were learning at the time. I'm from a school that believes in cross-training. We're not a weapon style, but we've learned a few. We're also not a grappling style, but we've learned some Judo, Hapkido and practice ground work. When I saw this stick, we were learning one weapon or another. I can't for the life of me remember which ones. If I did, it may help narrow this down. Oh well ...

That's quite alright. I may come across it in my research. If I do, I will let you know what it's called.
#17
zombie_babies
May 11, 2009 9:11:45
That's quite alright. I may come across it in my research. If I do, I will let you know what it's called.

Cool. Thanks. :D

This has got me thinkin' a bit, too. We never got to try escrima. I need to get some sticks and a *shudder* book or something to try and figure some cool stuff out. It's a really neat style of combat and a weapon I think is cool as hell.
#18
MechaPilot
May 11, 2009 17:32:53
Cool. Thanks. :D

This has got me thinkin' a bit, too. We never got to try escrima. I need to get some sticks and a *shudder* book or something to try and figure some cool stuff out. It's a really neat style of combat and a weapon I think is cool as hell.

If you want to see a good escrima stick fight scene, the french police dojo scene in Kiss of the Dragon is excellent. As far as learning it, 2-weapon fighting is a difficult skill. I've only known 3 people who did it well, and most of them were at least 5th degree black belts.
#19
reinharst
May 12, 2009 1:54:12 I am largely practiced in Zendo Karate, which is a German martial art combining several other forms of art into one distinct mannerism. The traditional essence of Zen is still highly prominent, but with a more aggressive focus on what you would call "street fighting" and self-defense forms. "Street fighting" in this regards is very similar to what is commonly called "Mixed Martial Arts", and close to the concept of Jeet Kune Do; do whatever necessary to win/live. If you wish to discuss concepts and techniques I would be obliged to say what I can, if I can converse it easily enough into English for you.
#20
zombie_babies
May 12, 2009 8:59:54
If you want to see a good escrima stick fight scene, the french police dojo scene in Kiss of the Dragon is excellent. As far as learning it, 2-weapon fighting is a difficult skill. I've only known 3 people who did it well, and most of them were at least 5th degree black belts.

Yeah, that scene is pretty cool. :D I was really into Jet Li stuff - and then I saw Tony Jaa. While I still appreciate Li's stuff, Jaa blows him away. Does his own stunts, no wire stuff, etc. Just really, really badass. Check out Ong-Bak if you haven't yet. It's pretty cool.

I've trained some with a few weapons. A couple - tonfa and nunchaku - I've actually used two of. I just need to get off my duff and look into it. I'm sure I'll be able to at least be ok at it. ;) :D
#21
boj0
May 12, 2009 11:22:04 Meh, I agree with Z_B, there doesn't really need to be a new martial art. However more power to you for amking one, it really shows a level of commitment and determination that few can match.
Personally, I'm a fan of old school martial arts like wrestling (really old school), doesn't matter how hard you can kick or punch if crush you to the ground and don't let you do it.
#22
MechaPilot
May 12, 2009 19:12:18
Meh, I agree with Z_B, there doesn't really need to be a new martial art. However more power to you for amking one, it really shows a level of commitment and determination that few can match.
Personally, I'm a fan of old school martial arts like wrestling (really old school), doesn't matter how hard you can kick or punch if crush you to the ground and don't let you do it.

Well thank you for the Kudos. And I do agree that any martial art that does not include knowledge of grappling techniques is going to face serious problems against a wrestler/grappler. I have seen many MMA fights (mostly UFC fights) end up on the ground for nearly half the bout; and things like UFC are the closest professional sports gets to an actual streetfight.
#23
MechaPilot
Jun 25, 2009 22:47:50 I promised you guys that I'd check in periodically, so here goes.

Most of the work I've been doing is physical conditioning. I'm a large guy, as in Sammo Hung large. So far, it's been a lot of standing in various stances, mobility drills, and balance work (assume a one-legged stance and hold it until my limbs/back are exhausted). And it's starting to help with my weight problem. I'm also looking into body-hardening techniques. On that front, I was wondering if anyone ever tried the sand-striking method for toughening one's hands. Given the choice between that and the urine-saoking (which John L Sullivan did in his training) I'll take the sand. Knuckels are easy enough to toughen, I can do push-ups on those. But i need something I can hit with spear-hand strikes to harden my fingers.

As far as actual technique, I've developed a take-down that operates off an outside parry; a hip-joint strike that is set up by an inside parry (which itself sets up a kneeling groin attack: backfist/headbutt/reverse punch all work there). I still need to complete the tests of these techniques with an actual sparring partner. Also, I am attempting to learn to accurately spit at very close range, about a yard. If I'm gonna fight someone with everything I've got, you can bet I'm not gonna settle for a fair fight.

That wraps it up for my first update. Thanks for the interest, be glad to hear any imput you have so far.
#24
boj0
Jun 27, 2009 20:15:11 Double Post
#25
boj0
Jun 27, 2009 20:16:19
Also, I am attempting to learn to accurately spit at very close range, about a yard. If I'm gonna fight someone with everything I've got, you can bet I'm not gonna settle for a fair fight.

This

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 MechaPilot May 07, 2009 21:35:27	I don't know if any of you have ever tried this before, but I'm designing my own martial art. In the tradition of the kung fu masters of old, I have chosen a creature to emulate; and I'm wondering if anyone knows any of good resource material. I have a book on accupuncture to learn about pressure points, and I've got the quintessential martial arts book The Tao of Jeet Kun Do. Are there any other books/materials I should be looking into?
#2 pigknight May 07, 2009 21:38:53	Do you know martial arts already?
#3 quantaeus_dup May 07, 2009 21:39:49	Martial Arts for Dummies is good. Acupressure & Reflexology For Dummies, and so is this one.
#4 MechaPilot May 07, 2009 21:45:20	Do you know martial arts already? I have studied Issinryu for about 2 years. It was good, but I believe that physical combat (even the non-violent discipline of the martial arts) should reflect the personality of the martial artist. Bruce described it as a method of expressing oneself in motion, like a dance, and I believe that is fitting. Issinryu was an enjoyable way to get exercise and learn about combat, but it did not feel like it was truly my way. This new way does feel like I'm being myself, and it's a feeling I greatly enjoy. @ Quantaeus: Thank you, I will have to head to my local bookstore to check those out.
#5 quantaeus_dup May 07, 2009 21:51:15	I studied Muay Thai briefly as an exchange student when I went to Thailand, and Shuai Jiao/Karate while in China. Sadly I only spent a year with Muay Thai, three for Shuai Jiao and seven with Karate. I wish I had more time to spend these days, I exercise when I can. I still practice the odd kata every now and then when I can squeeze one or two in.
#6 MechaPilot May 07, 2009 22:00:33	I studied Muay Thai briefly as an exchange student when I went to Thailand, and Shuai Jiao/Karate while in China. Sadly I only spent a year with Muay Thai, three for Shuai Jiao and seven with Karate. I wish I had more time to spend these days, I exercise when I can. I still practice the odd kata every now and then when I can squeeze one or two in. Compared to my own, that is a significant martial arts background. I have seen Muay Thai in televised bouts, but I do not know of Shuai Jiao. As for the Karate, the one I studied was created post-WWII, I assume the style(s) you studied are older. There are definitely parts of the Okinawan fighting arts that appeal to me. In particular, I will be keeping the vertical punch from Issinryu.
#7 zombie_babies May 08, 2009 9:03:35	I believe that physical combat (even the non-violent discipline of the martial arts) should reflect the personality of the martial artist. Bruce described it as a method of expressing oneself in motion, like a dance, and I believe that is fitting. Practice any martial art long enough and it will. It has to. If it doesn't, you're not doing it right. ;) The reason I say that is that it's truly the case. If you look like everyone else or a copy of what you've seen, then you haven't understood what was being taught. Copying what you see indicates that you do not know what you're doing. No matter what style you practice, in order to fully understand what it is you're trying to do, your technique must reflect who you are. I also fully believe that five or seven years is not nearly enough time to really understand what you're supposed to. So, you probably wouldn't feel like you are coming through in that amount of time. You should, however, feel that you're beginning to understand it. Personally, I see no need for a new martial art. After about 19 years of practicing, I've put plenty of my personality into my style (perhaps too much in certain instances :P). Still, I find it incredibly interesting that someone would try this. I think it's pretty damned cool, actually. So, while I may not see the same need as you, I do wish you luck. That said, here's some advice: Focus on the basics - stance (footwork - your base for everything) and power (twist and timing - if you don't have this, you have nothing). Also keep in mind that martial arts should be natural and movement should be limited to only what's needed (economy of motion). Good luck. :D
#8 MechaPilot May 08, 2009 15:13:35	Practice any martial art long enough and it will. It has to. If it doesn't, you're not doing it right. ;) The reason I say that is that it's truly the case. If you look like everyone else or a copy of what you've seen, then you haven't understood what was being taught. Copying what you see indicates that you do not know what you're doing. No matter what style you practice, in order to fully understand what it is you're trying to do, your technique must reflect who you are. I also fully believe that five or seven years is not nearly enough time to really understand what you're supposed to. So, you probably wouldn't feel like you are coming through in that amount of time. You should, however, feel that you're beginning to understand it. Personally, I see no need for a new martial art. After about 19 years of practicing, I've put plenty of my personality into my style (perhaps too much in certain instances :P). Still, I find it incredibly interesting that someone would try this. I think it's pretty damned cool, actually. So, while I may not see the same need as you, I do wish you luck. That said, here's some advice: Focus on the basics - stance (footwork - your base for everything) and power (twist and timing - if you don't have this, you have nothing). Also keep in mind that martial arts should be natural and movement should be limited to only what's needed (economy of motion). Good luck. :D I respect your opinion, and you may well be correct when you say that my particaluar nature wil eventually shine though any style I choose to study. I also recognize that I may need to return to the formal study of one or more styles as part of my research. That being said, I still feel compelled to try. I may fail, but if I do, I will be better read and have gotten some good exercise in the process. Your comments about the basics are quite wise, and they will serve me well as part of the skeleton upon which my new art will be built. Thank you for wishing me luck.
#9 zombie_babies May 08, 2009 15:19:22	I respect your opinion, and you may well be correct when you say that my particaluar nature wil eventually shine though any style I choose to study. I also recognize that I may need to return to the formal study of one or more styles as part of my research. That being said, I still feel compelled to try. I may fail, but if I do, I will be better read and have gotten some good exercise in the process. Your comments about the basics are quite wise, and they will serve me well as part of the skeleton upon which my new art will be built. Thank you for wishing me luck. It sounds to me like you have the right attitude to make at least something out of this - even if that something is "only" a bit of personal discovery. ;) To lessen the bite of my statements about my feelings regarding the "need" for a new martial art - if it's any consolation, I'd have told the same thing to Bruce Lee if he was some guy posting on the net. :P If you don't mind, keep us posted. It's interesting to me and I'd like to hear updates about your research and progress. I'll also help however I can by answering any questions I'm able to or offering an opinion if asked. You're taking up a project few would dare touch seriously. It's compelling. :D
#10 MechaPilot May 08, 2009 15:40:27	It sounds to me like you have the right attitude to make at least something out of this - even if that something is "only" a bit of personal discovery. ;) To lessen the bite of my statements about my feelings regarding the "need" for a new martial art - if it's any consolation, I'd have told the same thing to Bruce Lee if he was some guy posting on the net. :P If you don't mind, keep us posted. It's interesting to me and I'd like to hear updates about your research and progress. I'll also help however I can by answering any questions I'm able to or offering an opinion if asked. You're taking up a project few would dare touch seriously. It's compelling. :D Thank you. I will do my best to keep this thread up to date, since there is actual interest in the topic. The first thing you should probably know is the creature I chose to base my new style upon. The scorpion. I see the claws representing joint locks reminiscent of Chin Na, while the tail inspired me to design a "stinging fist" for striking pressure points and attacking chi pathways. The scorpion is a clever predator that relies on its controlling grip and its sting to subdue enemies. This is a method that I find most appealing. My first attempt at a pressurepoint attack (back in the days when I was still formally taking Issinryu) worked very well. I found a point on the front face of the shoulder that can be used to temporarily paralyze that arm. At that time, I hit the point with a spearhand strike. I believe the new stinging fist will give me greater accuracy at hitting pressure points and can allow the attack to wrap around part of an interveining limb.
#11 zombie_babies May 08, 2009 15:51:51	Pressure points are good target. There's another on the arm at the elbow that - when gripped properly - will cause the grip-ee's hand to involutarily relax. That means they drop whatever's in it. ;) I know a few more, but the styles I am most familiar with don't do a ton with 'em. They require a pretty high level of accuracy to engage reliably. I do recall seeing a style (may have been something Okinawan) that used what was basically a stick as a weapon to strike these points. If you know what you're doing, it's pretty damned good stuff. Aikido and Hapkido would be good bases for research into joint locks and the like. That stuff works. Trust me. :D
#12 MechaPilot May 08, 2009 15:58:56	Pressure points are good target. There's another on the arm at the elbow that - when gripped properly - will cause the grip-ee's hand to involutarily relax. That means they drop whatever's in it. ;) I know a few more, but the styles I am most familiar with don't do a ton with 'em. They require a pretty high level of accuracy to engage reliably. I do recall seeing a style (may have been something Okinawan) that used what was basically a stick as a weapon to strike these points. If you know what you're doing, it's pretty damned good stuff. Aikido and Hapkido would be good bases for research into joint locks and the like. That stuff works. Trust me. :D Thank you. I have heard of both Aikido and Hapkido, but I did not know that Hapkido invoked pressure points to be as effective as it is. As for the stick, I believe Hapkido practioners learn to fight with a cane or walking stick (about half the length of a typical bo staff); but I know very little else about it. I will have to look into both of those styles.
#13 zombie_babies May 08, 2009 16:02:57	Thank you. I have heard of both Aikido and Hapkido, but I did not know that Hapkido invoked pressure points to be as effective as it is. As for the stick, I believe Hapkido practioners learn to fight with a cane or walking stick (about half the length of a typical bo staff); but I know very little else about it. I will have to look into both of those styles. Most of the Hapkido I've done worked with joint locks. I think that pressure points and joint locks will work well together. The stick I'm talking about (and I should have described it better) was no more than 8" long. I wish I could remember the style ...
#14 MechaPilot May 08, 2009 16:07:48	Most of the Hapkido I've done worked with joint locks. I think that pressure points and joint locks will work well together. The stick I'm talking about (and I should have described it better) was no more than 8" long. I wish I could remember the style ... Ah, thank you for the clarification about Hapkido. I do agree, joint locks should work quite well with pressure points, as it seems to with the creature in question. As for the stick, the smallest stick-like weapon I'm familiar with is the escrima stick. But that's far longer than the one you describe.
#15 zombie_babies May 08, 2009 16:10:28	Ah, thank you for the clarification about Hapkido. I do agree, joint locks should work quite well with pressure points, as it seems to with the creature in question. As for the stick, the smallest stick-like weapon I'm familiar with is the escrima stick. But that's far longer than the one you describe. Yeah, it wasn't escrima (that's some cool stuff, too!). I can't remember what else we were learning at the time. I'm from a school that believes in cross-training. We're not a weapon style, but we've learned a few. We're also not a grappling style, but we've learned some Judo, Hapkido and practice ground work. When I saw this stick, we were learning one weapon or another. I can't for the life of me remember which ones. If I did, it may help narrow this down. Oh well ...
#16 MechaPilot May 08, 2009 16:31:03	Yeah, it wasn't escrima (that's some cool stuff, too!). I can't remember what else we were learning at the time. I'm from a school that believes in cross-training. We're not a weapon style, but we've learned a few. We're also not a grappling style, but we've learned some Judo, Hapkido and practice ground work. When I saw this stick, we were learning one weapon or another. I can't for the life of me remember which ones. If I did, it may help narrow this down. Oh well ... That's quite alright. I may come across it in my research. If I do, I will let you know what it's called.
#17 zombie_babies May 11, 2009 9:11:45	That's quite alright. I may come across it in my research. If I do, I will let you know what it's called. Cool. Thanks. :D This has got me thinkin' a bit, too. We never got to try escrima. I need to get some sticks and a shudder book or something to try and figure some cool stuff out. It's a really neat style of combat and a weapon I think is cool as hell.
#18 MechaPilot May 11, 2009 17:32:53	Cool. Thanks. :D This has got me thinkin' a bit, too. We never got to try escrima. I need to get some sticks and a shudder book or something to try and figure some cool stuff out. It's a really neat style of combat and a weapon I think is cool as hell. If you want to see a good escrima stick fight scene, the french police dojo scene in Kiss of the Dragon is excellent. As far as learning it, 2-weapon fighting is a difficult skill. I've only known 3 people who did it well, and most of them were at least 5th degree black belts.
#19 reinharst May 12, 2009 1:54:12	I am largely practiced in Zendo Karate, which is a German martial art combining several other forms of art into one distinct mannerism. The traditional essence of Zen is still highly prominent, but with a more aggressive focus on what you would call "street fighting" and self-defense forms. "Street fighting" in this regards is very similar to what is commonly called "Mixed Martial Arts", and close to the concept of Jeet Kune Do; do whatever necessary to win/live. If you wish to discuss concepts and techniques I would be obliged to say what I can, if I can converse it easily enough into English for you.
#20 zombie_babies May 12, 2009 8:59:54	If you want to see a good escrima stick fight scene, the french police dojo scene in Kiss of the Dragon is excellent. As far as learning it, 2-weapon fighting is a difficult skill. I've only known 3 people who did it well, and most of them were at least 5th degree black belts. Yeah, that scene is pretty cool. :D I was really into Jet Li stuff - and then I saw Tony Jaa. While I still appreciate Li's stuff, Jaa blows him away. Does his own stunts, no wire stuff, etc. Just really, really badass. Check out Ong-Bak if you haven't yet. It's pretty cool. I've trained some with a few weapons. A couple - tonfa and nunchaku - I've actually used two of. I just need to get off my duff and look into it. I'm sure I'll be able to at least be ok at it. ;) :D
#21 boj0 May 12, 2009 11:22:04	Meh, I agree with Z_B, there doesn't really need to be a new martial art. However more power to you for amking one, it really shows a level of commitment and determination that few can match. Personally, I'm a fan of old school martial arts like wrestling (really old school), doesn't matter how hard you can kick or punch if crush you to the ground and don't let you do it.
#22 MechaPilot May 12, 2009 19:12:18	Meh, I agree with Z_B, there doesn't really need to be a new martial art. However more power to you for amking one, it really shows a level of commitment and determination that few can match. Personally, I'm a fan of old school martial arts like wrestling (really old school), doesn't matter how hard you can kick or punch if crush you to the ground and don't let you do it. Well thank you for the Kudos. And I do agree that any martial art that does not include knowledge of grappling techniques is going to face serious problems against a wrestler/grappler. I have seen many MMA fights (mostly UFC fights) end up on the ground for nearly half the bout; and things like UFC are the closest professional sports gets to an actual streetfight.
#23 MechaPilot Jun 25, 2009 22:47:50	I promised you guys that I'd check in periodically, so here goes. Most of the work I've been doing is physical conditioning. I'm a large guy, as in Sammo Hung large. So far, it's been a lot of standing in various stances, mobility drills, and balance work (assume a one-legged stance and hold it until my limbs/back are exhausted). And it's starting to help with my weight problem. I'm also looking into body-hardening techniques. On that front, I was wondering if anyone ever tried the sand-striking method for toughening one's hands. Given the choice between that and the urine-saoking (which John L Sullivan did in his training) I'll take the sand. Knuckels are easy enough to toughen, I can do push-ups on those. But i need something I can hit with spear-hand strikes to harden my fingers. As far as actual technique, I've developed a take-down that operates off an outside parry; a hip-joint strike that is set up by an inside parry (which itself sets up a kneeling groin attack: backfist/headbutt/reverse punch all work there). I still need to complete the tests of these techniques with an actual sparring partner. Also, I am attempting to learn to accurately spit at very close range, about a yard. If I'm gonna fight someone with everything I've got, you can bet I'm not gonna settle for a fair fight. That wraps it up for my first update. Thanks for the interest, be glad to hear any imput you have so far.
#24 boj0 Jun 27, 2009 20:15:11	Double Post
#25 boj0 Jun 27, 2009 20:16:19	Also, I am attempting to learn to accurately spit at very close range, about a yard. If I'm gonna fight someone with everything I've got, you can bet I'm not gonna settle for a fair fight. This