Research and Discussion Forums

The escape to Oni Kudaki (and presumably to this as well), is deceptively simple: just step out, bend down slightly, and straighten your arm out. Voila. There's no force necessary.

I've never used anything but plain 3-in-1 oil on exterior surfaces of all my guns, and I therefore use it on all my knives/swords. Never given me a problem yet.

I agree this is a very familiar technique. The technique appears very similar to Oni Kudaki, a Ninjutsu lock. There appears to be only a minor variation in the hand positioning. I also agree it's a break, not a lock or throw. There is a throw involved of sorts; at least, there is with Oni Kudaki. Th...

Also a little late, but if you're still around and still looking for a forge, try finding any Amish that live in your area (or an area nearby - may be difficult in Florida). When my brother wanted to get into bladesmithing (back in the Ozarks in Missouri), he got a good coal forge from the local Ami...

Agreed. The way we would usually do intercepts/grabs in Taijutsu was we'd meet the striking arm with either a block on the forearm or, more commonly, a strike of our own. From there, once the initial velocity of the incoming strike had been taken care of, we could grab and do whatever we pleased wit...

If I may borrow an overworked military mantra, "As you train, so shall you fight." The best fighters understand that newbies need to take new techniques slowly, but there comes a point when the safety bases have been covered, the partners trust each other (and know how to reach each others...

I've handled it a bit tonight, and it feels pretty good. The balance is alot different than I was expecting; I think it's just because of my experience with Katana... The handling is a bit strange. And you were all right, that cross guard can be a bit strange sometimes. It makes it difficult for me ...

Okay, so I made my acquisition of a training weapon. I don't have any photos, but the description should serve. Let's have some opinions of how well I did. I don't know the maker of this blade, I have only heard it referred to as a "practical". Maybe that's the maker, I dunno. The sword is...

You should find a way to relate this as on-topic for this forum, as interesting as it is. That's pretty obvious. If we're looking at historical western european martial arts from a truly historical perspective, what could be more important than knowing how those historical warriors fueled their bod...

... Yeah, I know, "the medieval diet" doesn't exactly bring images of tastey delights to mind. Most people think that medieval people subsisted on disgusting gruely foods because they were too stupid (or poor) to know (or get) any better. But as we all know, no fighting man or good farmer ...

Pumping iron is alright, but it generally leaves you with a feeling of mistaken confidence; you may or may not be working out the muscles that are going to be working when you're swinging the sword or putting someone to the ground. Your body makes a fantastic weight, if you know how to use it. "...

Yep, Kamiyama Dojo. I never actually trained with Ralph, instead I trained under my older brother, who achieved his Shodan under Ralph. I never had the money (or time) to go down with him to Tai Kai, or the various expeditions to Texas, to meet Ralph. My other brother did though. I'll just say Ralph...

Absolutely. Getting in shape is easy, too (well, unless you ask my wife, in which case it's impossible). You'd be amazed at how much better you'll feel by spending 15 or 20 minutes every day stretching, knocking out some pushups, situps, and [if you have time] another 20 or 30 minutes of running.

Okay, I have quite a few questions for the longer-standing ARMA members. ⋅  How long should it take for me to receive confirmation of my membership? I sent in my dues, probably a week ago or so. I haven't seen the check clear yet, so I'm not worried or anything, I'm just wondering how long...

I have read [most of] this thread, and here's my comment. If you're comparing medieval combat techniques which were designed to kill, maim, and otherwise inflict serious pain, against the techniques in modern martial arts competitions... That's like trying to compare a TKD black belt flinging his le...