Posts by Jerry Thompson

Look, Lattice, I already told you—Larry Sullivan37 is solid. He’ll explain it all to you himself.

urbanotter5 said:Which question is simpler: how long it takes you to provide an answer, or the question itself?

I don't get it. I replied to her instantly. And from what I can see, you didn't even ask anything that required waiting for a response, so I really don't follow the point of this post. Did you actually ask a question? 😕

First off, the gender doesn't matter. I train in a small group over in San Diego—maybe three or four people, maybe even fewer. It varies. But honestly, gender isn't the point. You’ll find that if you stick with it long enough, you'll become obsessed with it. You'll be perfectly happy with Aikido. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Seriously, if you think it's awkward working with people older than you, just imagine how they feel training with you. Don't feel embarrassed. If you like it, go for it. (Just go check it out first).
Secondly, regarding your concern about the technique—training in socks isn't an issue. The effect is basically the same, though you might slip a few times until you get the hang of it. There are actually several other people on this forum who train. Most of them are over in the AIKIDOKES thread... SHOW YOURSELVES.

Here’s a link so you can look at some names for yourself.

(There might even be someone from your area; I think their username is Larry Sullivan37). Maybe reach out to them for some info. 🙂 👍

mala_latica said:Hey! I'm new here. I'm 15 and interested in martial arts. I don't know much about it—actually, I don't know anything at all. But I heard about some self-defense classes, and I like how they combine elements from different styles. I have zero interest in competing; I just want to learn something useful. The issue is that I live in Osage, but the self-defense course I found is all the way in Chicago. So please, if you have any info on a club in Osage, let me know!
Thanks so much!!!!! 🙂

If you aren't looking to compete and plan on sticking with martial arts long-term, I'd recommend Aikido. 🙂

Jamie Fowler2 said:Go ahead then, try to take me down without using any hardness. (Without imposing your will just a little bit? It's impossible...)

You basically just described Morihei Ueshiba. Congratulations 👍 🙂

And what about that version where you’re just using it to beat the ground? 😂

Jamie Fowler2 said:It’s impossible to fight against total softness—you can't actually injure an opponent that way.

Unless you actually *want* to hurt them. In which case, it works perfectly fine. 😁 That's the whole point, isn't it?

P.S. Is this thread just a private conversation between you two? If it is, maybe a moderator should just delete this post. Thanks! 😎

It’s all about that twist for "aerodynamics," isn't it? Every blade designed to cut has a slight curve to it, whereas the flat ones just sort of hack away. At least, that's how I see it.

Edward Sanchez72, that Strava post about the katanas was solid. Keep it coming. 👍

Justin Watson58 said:...and I believe a true master needs at least 20 years of dedicated practice in their craft...
...now, if someone decides to lower the age requirement, then this doesn't apply to me...
...but I’m sticking to my guns because I KNOW that’s how it works...

Fair enough. You can't really lecture me since I haven't been training martial arts as long as you have. Only 11 years under my belt. But even after 30 years of training—which is a lifetime—you can still freeze up in a real scrap if you lack street experience. Unless, of course, that person is chasing technical perfection and pure self-satisfaction, which, honestly, makes more sense to me! 👍
( don't post anything on the blog! 😢 )

Justin Watson58 said:...your point is that the system is fractured like a torn playing card; you have puzzle pieces that pretend to be a whole, but they’re just fragments...
...let Sance explain it to you...
...the core of Chinese martial arts was simple: precision + form + instinct = victory...
...forms exist to facilitate reaction...
...you might have one perfect kung fu technique, but it only offers good stances and posture. Then there’s another that excels in one specific movement—that’s where the focus lies. Then there’s a third that’s perfect for a different motion. Each was originally just a single, focused form...
...there are hundreds of weapons out there. We are talking about a closed combat system, which was the original concept of peak human self-defense...
...but it all fell apart because it passed through too many hands...

Jack of all trades... master of none! 👎

Justin Watson58 said:...hahaha, you remind me of my crazy cousin; he’s got those same ridiculous takes...
...that whole blog just screams digital illiteracy. And honestly? I get it. It shouldn't matter how flashy the packaging is—it's what's inside the box that counts...
...I'll take all the criticism I can get, but I have zero interest in praise...
...criticism makes you better, while praise just makes you arrogant...

But what if praise is actually just positive criticism, and criticism is just negative praise? 😉 😎

Justin Watson58...send me the link. 😁

Edward Sanchez72 said:HuffPost

What a disaster of a blog! 👍
That background? It’s hideous. Absolutely atrocious.

Edward Sanchez72 said:Oh, thanks a lot. Honestly, since I don't know the first thing about CSS, I have to admit I really struggled just to figure out how to get the blog looking like this. My technical skills were basically zero. Between being slammed with work lately and having no free time for a new post, I've been stuck. I'm thinking about running a poll soon to see what people actually want to read about. Whatever gets the most votes, I'll write about it...

👍 👍 🙏

So, what’s the deal with that guy's blog? Edward Sanchez72, how do I find the link to your blog?

Justin Watson58 said:...what I really need to upgrade and fully complete my entire defensive system is movement...
...which means I’d need some Baguazhang for circular movements (like the five elements)...and...something from Xing Yi Quan for linear movements...
...I’ve got plenty of Kung Fu in my hands and feet now; what I need next is the footwork...
...I think that would be the end of the story...

It’s never the end. 😁
You might be physically ready, but have you even stopped to ask about the mental aspect? It’s never truly over...👍

Oh man, right... Arnis. Or Sinawali, actually. How could I have let that slip my mind? That stuff absolutely rules.

Since I'm currently feeling pretty restless regarding Aikido, maybe something somewhat similar... say... basketball. 🙂

Kendo or Iaido.

Jerry Thompson said:The movie isn't even half as good as the book. Besides, there’s no way you can squeeze 500 or 600 pages of material into a two-hour runtime.

my point exactly

Austin Roberts8. FO

Kimberly Collins8, get straight to channel 6! 😉 If it’s in English, even better 😁