donjitsu2

So, here's a question for all of those who understand Religious Taoism and Chinese folk religion: Where does Sun Wukong (Monkey King from Journey to the West) fit in? What are his associations? You see, I'd like to put up a traditional shrine in my personal gym/kwoon at the house. But I don't really have much of connection with Guan Yu and would rather use Sun Wukong. I just don't want to get smacked with any negative ju-ju for doing so... I know he has been "deified" and there are temples in China and Thailand (that I know of...) but there is little info on the net (at least in English). So, I come to you guys looking for help. (I know it is an odd question, btw) Train Hard, Josh Skinner

To a degree, yes. But there are only so many ways the human body can express force. So, you're bound to see some overlap Train Hard, Josh Skinner

good find! I'm a Xingyi guy and I noticed a lot of similarities in how he is issuing force...well, from what I can see as an outsider looking in. (You never really know what is going on "internally".) Good form, really enjoyed it. Train Hard, Josh Skinner

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to be honest I didn't quite see the anti-Taoist themes in the story. When I read it I can tell the author considers Buddhism to be superior to Taoism. However, I'm always left feeling that the author has a great deal of respect for Taoism and the Taoist pantheon. Perhaps, I'm just missing something. Thanks again, Josh Skinner

Lower abdomen breathing and "tan tien" breathing are the same thing (anyone who tells you any different doesn't know what they are talking about). When you inhale and expand your belly ("Buddhist breathing") you are breathing with/into your tan tien. At first this practice may seem unnatural and require some effort on your part. Eventually you will become more proficient and it will become second nature. It sounds as if you are forcing the breathing and that is what is causing the tension you are feeling. I bet my big toe you are attempting to utilize the Buddhist Breathing method while at the same time attempting to COMPLETLY fill your lungs with air AND you are also trying to keep your chest from moving while you breath. You can't do all three at once. To completely fill your lungs with air you will simply need to allow your chest to expand as well, but there is no need to do this. You do not need to take a FULL breath, only a deep one. By expanding your abdomen when you inhale you are taking a deep breath. For now just focus on taking simple breaths while allowing your lower abdomen to expand - try to make this process as natural as possible and don't force it too much. RELAX and you'll get there. (also don't forget to work in some reverse breathing as well)

Neither do heavy bags, Mook Jongs, or grappling dummies - but they are still useful training tools if you use them correctly. I don't think anyone is going to get rid of the above mentioned tools simply because they "don't hit back". Breaking can have its place in a fighters routine so long as its purpose is clearly understood: Breaking is for teaching the correct method of focusing and delivering striking power. Nothing more, nothing less. It acts as an indicator of one's ability to properly deliver a strike. Are there better ways to achieve this? Sure. However, there aren't any other methods that can ALSO produce the same sort of psychological satisfaction the practitioner recieves from putting their fist through concrete. I've found this "psychological satisfaction" helps to positively reinforce one's training. It isn't for everyone but, again, that doesn't make it a useless practice. FYI - Train Hard, Josh Skinner

Hello everyone, My name is Josh and after lurking on this forum for a few months I've decided to register an account and actually take part in the discussion - I'm really looking forward to it! I'm 26 years old and I've been involved in the martial arts since I was 10. Since 2000 I've trained with Sifu Charles Dragoo in Xinyiquan, Taiji Ruler, and Lin Kong Jing style Zhan Zhuang. I'm really excited about learning and sharing will all of you. Thanks, Josh Skinner

I've always been impressed by those who can break the bottom brick/concrete slab and leave the one on top untouched. However, I have to say I was really impressed with the first break as I've never seen it done in such a manner. It looked very effortless and the break seemed extremely clean. Great work and I'd like to see more!