darkhobo wrote:Because that is what I watch for when fighting. That first movement backwards is when I make my move. Your few inches back also causes the need for a few more inches foward. If I can react fast enough most of the time from a normal punch without the backwards movement I would love to see what I can do with someone taking their sweet time to generate all that extra power just to hit nothing.Lexxorcist wrote:why, when you have that extra split second to pull your fist back a few inches further to add significant power.... why wouldn't you?
That is my main problem with it. There are better and much faster ways to do it. Ways that if done right can also actually speed to process of the strike.
Lexxorcist wrote:
why, when you have that extra split second to pull your fist back a few inches further to add significant power.... why wouldn't you?
For gods sake man, I said WHEN you have the opportunity, when you've given yourself that extra split second - usually by using shorter, faster techniques. You're not reading my posts. There are various ways to generate power that are combined, and that is one of them (one that you choose never to use - which is your choice). If I thought you'd see it coming or have time to avoid it, the opportunity wouldn't be there, and if you bothered to read my posts properly you'd already know that. I've now addressed this repeatedly in the thread and you seem to have missed it every time, which makes me wonder about your observational skills.
I would use anything that might give me an advantage if the chance was there. In my opinion it would be remiss to do otherwise. Each to their own I guess.
**Edit** ________________________________________
Back on topic now, regarding elements like kata being 'dead'. Fluent reading and writing begins with learning the alphabet - your ABC, sounding out and learning to draw the letters. How many words begin with Abc?
You learn music from scales, yet the result can be anything from rock, to classical to jazz.
Does this mean the alphabet and musical scales are 'dead'?
Regarding the Mac Dojos, think of your favourite song in the world. Now imagine it being covered by loads of dreadful club bands all over the world. The results can often be offensive and laughable, and some may destroy them even more by adding their own 'twists' which just don't work - but it's the same song.
Q) Can katas evolve?
A)
Kata cannot be used as a substitue for 'aliveness' in a dojo (and isn't), but it can be effectively used with it. Spontanious free fighting is, of course, also essential for it to have any practical use, but some time practicing basic moves and kata is also valuable, assuming it's taught correctly. Extending lines, and having the means to fully maximise the power of techniques can also be useful. You may choose not to use certain techniques - but it doesn't mean they're useless. Notice I haven't criticised any other style of fighting in this thread, because I don't have a deep understanding of other styles, and have never tried them.
The techniques in the kata have evolved from and have been tested in actual combat. In this way each kata has been improved and refined, and has evolved into the kata we practice today. The kata's complex evolution it is hard to trace, but it is known that they are based on combative techniques
), I'm talking about creating an opportunity, which is often what the shorter techniques are a prelude to. That's all I should really need to explain I would have thought, but if you want an example, immediately after a take down you often have the time. Perhaps after breaking someones nose or dazing them with a good jab. You have to use your judgement at the time of course, and it's near impossible to give you an example of one specific way of creating the opportunity on any given opponent. Any number of things can lead to your opponents attention being off you for a moment, including deception. Ideally you should always be aware of what they're doing, but in reality, following an eye gouge, groin kick, damaging kick to the knee, good jab to the throat or a dizzying jab to the head, you may find you lose focus for a moment, and that moment is all that's required. As well as watching for attacks, I also look for chances to dispatch the the opponent decisively. 
but watch what happens after the one guy hits the deck. 
Well it's been enjoyable and quite constructive, and I think we all did well to manage 4 pages on this topic and keep it friendly and constructive, so many thanks to all. 
It's healthy to have your methods challenged, but let's give it a week or two.... or ten lol
