Sesnei Van:
I apologize. I did it again and hit the 'new thread' button instead of the 'post reply".
There was or s a Japanese Martial Art based on the use of the bayoneted rifle etc..
It certainly seems to make sense to use the area of training that one is most adept at to make a base for knife skills and in weapons usage.
In the case of the PLA Soldiers, they have done so with a vengegance and I hope our troops can measure up although clearly I could not.
At last report our soldiers were discouraged from even yelling "kill kill" and are encourage to say only "yaaah yaaah".
.Bo training, Karate skills and shinai work would seem to be a natural in developing some techniques.
I would hesitate, at my advance age, to open my guard up even momentarly as shown by these highly trained men, and, and as Sensei Clarence once said "our punches and low kicks" are our 'bread and buttter".
But clearly improving one's kicking skills will never hurt.
Certainly I think the Bo Kata we do have available would also be of help.
In frustration, because the Isshinryu Bo Bo Kumite are interminable, (but impressive of course,) I try to work the students out on my adapted to Bo Bo Kumite version of Kumite 3.
We do what we can do.
Sensei Freds' demo of the Iaido skills could, clearly, be adapted to defence with a shorter stick or cane.
However Sensei Fred was clear on the point that there were 'few' blocking techniques in the beautiful forms he showed us.
If one can effectively wield a Shinai, perhaps one can effectively wield a cane without doing oneself an injury.
Also, the two T'ai Chi Sword forms I have worked on (but not mastered) show many uses for strikes (sharp or blunt) that would be of assitance.
Eye cuts, palm up thrusts, kakeuke seeming parries abound in the forms.
I feel somewhat guilty even talking about them at the moment.
These forms are somewhat longer than Sanseirui so one can get an idea why if hae not come close to mastereing them and rarely een mention them.
Blocks in the GIMS forms, however, can easily be said to equal the number of strikes.
The strikes are meant to hit unamored or unprotected areas on the body.
The forms are quite fun. however. and do not require extensive acrobatic skills (much admired) sort of in the Uechi does not actually 'require' such acrobatics.
I wish I could do them as shown anyway, of course.
The Gim is a light double edged sword about 36" in blade length.
The style sword forms do not emphasize the 'bludgeon" theary and, possibly, doe get one used to wielding a weapon of cane's lengths.
Perhaps a bit of finesse and very sharp blades are necessary components.
Of course there are cane forms as well, but I know nothing of them.
When I get bak to practicing these forms I will feel I can comment more effectively.
JOhn
