Comments on: Doing It My Way? Training Exclusively for Self Defense!

By: Ymarsakar

Ymarsakar — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:54:27 +0000

This is why I train in Taiji Chuan and research/study internal martial arts where strength, size, and speed are rendered less important.

Also sparring is a testing of skills, it’s not a good way to improve one’s skills. Two man drills are much better for that goal. Things such as setting up a specific range and standing there while throwing attacks and defenses gets a lot of repetition training over one thing. For a gauge of power and accuracy, humans can volunteer to become living punching bags like Kyokushin karate or Kajukenbo, thus providing a lot of feedback on what was bette ror worse in a strike. But all of these can be taken down a notch in terms of danger. The amount of time martial artists have wasted on injury recovery because their training methods do not follow the internal paradigm, is pretty large. And it’s especially impactful in these modern days where people are lucky to train 5-10 hours a week. Most people train 4 hours or less.

By: John W. Zimmer

John W. Zimmer — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:56:35 +0000

Hey Tiger,

If only I/we were “as good as I once was.”

I just don’t want to get to the paper tiger stage any time soon!

By: TheMartialArtsReporter

TheMartialArtsReporter — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:07:31 +0000

Refreshing post, John.
Yeah, I can relate to what you’re experiencing and gracious enough to share with us readers.
Over 50, I can move as cat-like as in my 20s, so I think.
My mind says yes I can, but my body says “You want me to do what!”
There is a great song and video by Toby Keith (even if you’re not a country fan) called “As Good As I Once Was.”
that describes it pretty well ina very entertaining manner.
Rock on and keep up the great writing, bro.

By: John W. Zimmer

John W. Zimmer — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:57:33 +0000

Hey Dr. J!

I don’t think fighting will ever be an issue. I did a post a couple years back about an old Marine on vacation that had to take out a robber… Hopefully folks will respect their elders… or else.

Hi Rutchelle,

I have to get use to, “at your age”… it sill sounds like someone else. thanks for the sage advice.

By: Rutchelle Sayson

Rutchelle Sayson — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:21:38 +0000

Well its better to be prepared than to come into a situation that we don’t want the things that happen to us. At your age I think its best to make it as an exercise rather than injuring yourself up.
Rutchelle Sayson recently posted..Winning Lottery

By: Dr. J

Dr. J — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:54:12 +0000

It wasn’t that long ago that I read about some poor old man, around 75 years young, that was threatened by a mugger who wanted his wallet! As it turned out that geriatric cripple was a former martial artist, and even though he should have taken your wise advice, John, did not surrender his wallet, but laid the mugger out!

Once a black belt, always a black belt! I’m sure you are still quite formidable, John!
Dr. J recently posted..Lab Notes: Researchers Reverse Earliest Sign of AD; Eating Fish May Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk