http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/Essays by Dan Djurdjevic on the martial arts and related disciplinesennoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Thu, 31 May 2012 10:19:47 PDTBlogger http://www.blogger.com234125noreply@blogger.comnoEssays by Dan Djurdjevic on the martial arts and related disciplinesdandjurdjevichttp://feedburner.google.comhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/3aaJEaaLsYk/kitchen-training.htmlkarateRoger Federerkitchen trainingcricketTiger WoodstennisseipaigolfkataSteffi Grafnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Tue, 29 May 2012 01:24:52 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-5623186374165986322Many years ago I was at the house of my friend (and student) Damon. We were studying for our final law school exams. During a break I was absentmindedly going through some kata movements (I recall that it was seipai kata from goju ryu) when one of Damon's other law school buddies, a fellow named Ian, came around for a visit. Seeing me performing the kata in Damon's small kitchen Ian furrowed 2012-05-29T16:24:52.671+08:0015http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/05/kitchen-training.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/xPz304qFUVU/deconstructing-form-bridge-between.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Mon, 28 May 2012 21:59:50 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-7051657622097110535In just over a week's time three of my students will be departing for Taiwan to train directly with my teacher, Chen Yun Ching. Two of them will become third generation bai shi. I am deeply honoured to have my students recognised in this manner and proud of all three of them. I know that they are going to have an amazing, if not life-altering, experience. I am saddened that I won't be able to2012-05-29T12:59:50.651+08:002http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/05/deconstructing-form-bridge-between.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/toZmuykrCnc/my-article-in-blitz-magazine.htmlChen Yun-ChingBlitz MagazineJames Sumarac2011Taiwanarticlenoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sun, 20 May 2012 04:40:12 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-5829646285402331980At the start of this year (I'm not sure when) an article I wrote about my last trip to Taiwan was published in Australasia's leading martial arts magazine, Blitz. I'm really terrible at these sorts of things and somehow didn't even remember to buy a copy! In any event, it is now available on-line, so you can read it there. The article is edited down from the one I wrote (I can, as one fellow 2012-05-20T19:40:12.108+08:009http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-article-in-blitz-magazine.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/PA3-GEy3wh4/sine-wave-vs-core-purpose-of-forms.htmlITFtaekkyonsine wavetaekwondoformxingrelevancekatausefulnessdynamic contextnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:44:20 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-3830746066830713014Derailing the core purpose of forms – let me count the ways...In my previous article I discussed the core purpose of forms; how in order to be effective training tools, forms must place techniques in a dynamic context. And that dynamic context must be both relevant and useful.Understanding these components, and having these concepts at the back of your mind while you train, is essential for 2012-04-29T19:44:20.150+08:0029http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/04/sine-wave-vs-core-purpose-of-forms.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/EORCA269LNk/forms-their-core-purpose.htmlkarateITFtaekwondoformxingrelevancekatausefulnessdynamic contextnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:52:40 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-5167257221227547349IntroductionMy friend Sanko has written a number of excellent articles in recent times about the nature and importance of forms (what taekwondo call "patterns"). It is a testament to Sanko's considered, well-reasoned and researched arguments that I am revisiting this subject, not to flog the proverbial dead horse but because I feel that he raises important points – points that go to the nub of 2012-04-29T12:52:40.178+08:0017http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/04/forms-their-core-purpose.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/-ddJSdbhHBw/magic-in-small-things.htmlbjjkarateBob Daviescross-trainingformabandoning formfoundationbasic punchDan Inosantoformalitywu-shinBruce Leebasicsnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:21:37 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-8642911900335056092Somewhat synchronously, I have recently had a number of different reminders of something that is fairly fundamental to martial arts study.First, I have only just discussed the importance of basic or fundamental skills, such as stepping in stances.Second, this excellent essay by Scott Sonnon reminded me of something I've said to my students for many years:"There's magic in the small things."By 2012-04-06T20:21:37.296+08:0012http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/04/magic-in-small-things.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/uXVqkxpQq7U/why-bother-with-stepping-in-stances.htmlnatural steppingsine waveayumi ashibasicscrescent steppingnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:24:37 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-4714816324660859084IntroductionMy preceding discussion about the pitfalls of "natural stepping"1 has prompted me to address the issue of why so many karate schools put great emphasis on stepping in basic stances.Certainly, historical factors play a role: just before and after World War II, karate was popularized in Japan as a kind of exercise for school children. Karate masters like Gichin Funakoshi (who was a 2012-03-30T20:24:37.778+08:0011http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/03/why-bother-with-stepping-in-stances.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/ljfKeIDmses/dead-time-pitfall-of-natural-stepping.htmlnatural steppingdrop stepokuri ashiyori ashisuri ashinoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sat, 31 Mar 2012 04:49:42 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-8855441384698437188IntroductionIn my article "How the internal arts work: Part 1" I discussed the issue of "dead time" as it occurs in natural stepping. I also alluded to it in my recent article: "Reversing momentum: "dead time" or useful tactic?". The topic of "dead time" is so central to my own martial theories, particularly those of the internal arts of China, that I thought it best to make this the subject of2012-03-31T19:49:42.116+08:006http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/03/dead-time-pitfall-of-natural-stepping.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/lKhzOzjEb_U/reversing-momentum-dead-time-or.htmlmomentummilitaryScott RodellreversingZhong Jing Xuanmiao daonoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:31:09 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-2144342732087750796IntroductionIn my recent article "How the internal arts work: Part 1" I discussed the issue of "dead time" - ie. time which is not productive or efficient in relation to achieving your desired outcome. Some of the comments made in relation to that article raised the issue of whether "reversal of momentum" is a subset of "dead time".I believe that there are many instances where reversal of 2012-03-28T14:31:09.568+08:004http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/03/reversing-momentum-dead-time-or.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/58220vDfVNA/my-jians.htmljianScott RodellHanweiswordGolden Dragonnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:19:19 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-6193450393311945446Following my recent revelations about the jian, I have finally “bitten the bullet” and purchased two “real” jians. The first of them is my lovely Hanwei cutting jian designed by noted Chinese sword authority Scott Rodell. This jian is the one I plan to use for cutting practice. Scott designed this after having handled over 3000 antique jians; it is not a plaything, nor a display piece, nor a 2012-03-02T12:19:19.808+08:0019http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-jians.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/_MuLpTHu6L0/my-unlikely-relationship-with-jian.htmldadaocivilian defencejiankenjutsuswordbladedaonoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:33:40 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-4834459896882692408I must confess that my relationship with bladed weapons has been through some rocky periods. There have been times where I was highly enamored of them, and times when they have seemed so contrary to my philosophical leanings that they have repulsed me.Specifically, in relation to the straight-edged Chinese sword called the “jian” I can say it was far from “love at first sight”. What started as 2012-03-08T09:33:40.022+08:0018http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-unlikely-relationship-with-jian.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/UVU0ha4nYK8/yin-and-yang-vulnerability-worry-and.htmlBob Daviesworryvulnerabilityfearnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sat, 25 Feb 2012 17:13:03 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-7676035156651626851I’m told that there is an old Chinese saying that goes: “A storm never lasts all day.” I first heard this back in the early ’80s when I commenced training and it has stuck with me ever since. Clearly, storms can and do last longer then 24 hours; this is meteorological fact. So what is the old proverb trying to say? Well I have always understood “day” to mean “a relatively short time”. For 2012-02-26T09:13:03.142+08:0020http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/02/yin-and-yang-vulnerability-worry-and.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/xx5J8IcSiCs/how-internal-arts-work-part-1.htmlRandy CoutureThiago SilvataijiRashad Evanspreserving momentumLyoto Machidainternalbaguaxingyinoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:27:38 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-7710212926908816245Introduction: demystifying the internal artsI was prompted to write this (long overdue) article because I’m aware of the scarcity (if not almost complete absence) of decent material analysing the internal arts of China, namely ie. taijiquan (t’ai chi ch’uan), baguazhang (pa kua chang) and xingyiquan (hsing i quan). What analysis exists is invariably couched in esoteric language (qi/chi, jins, 2012-03-28T14:27:38.769+08:0026http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-internal-arts-work-part-1.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/fFqXpis6fY4/legend-and-martial-arts.htmlRonald NiedermanMillenium SeriesJack NicklauslegendJulius ChaninternalRoberto PaoloBruce Leeadvanced techniquesnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:39:30 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-1633467030849942365A long history of tall tales...Chinese martial arts – in particular the Daoist internal arts1 of taijiquan, baguazhang and xingyiquan – have long been associated with mythological tales invoking superhuman feats; acts that defy the laws of physics. Such myths are not only incidental to the traditional histories and lineages; sometimes they are deeply wedded to them. It seems that virtually no 2012-01-25T11:39:30.929+08:0010http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/01/legend-and-martial-arts.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/hLWm8K6NlHo/internal-arts-and-daoism.htmltaijiHong Yi Xianginternaldaoismbaguaxingyinoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:49:53 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-3846084740128364567I came to the internal arts through both the study of physical martial arts training and philosophical reading. It was in the mid-80s while watching the BBC television series “The Way of the Warrior” (in particular the episode on Hong Yi Xiang and the internal arts - see the full episode embedded below) that I first learned that the earliest of the internal arts – xingyiquan – is said to be a 2012-01-11T07:49:53.672+08:006http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/01/internal-arts-and-daoism.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/hPTtuQa_g2Q/bridging-gulf-between-karate-and.htmlbridging formsRichard NortoninternalPatrick McCarthygekisainoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:01:53 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-7350950900201066928Introduction: isolating the essential “yi” (concepts)In Part 1 of this article I discussed the interest many karateka have in the Chinese martial arts, particularly the internal arts of xingyiquan, baguazhang and taijiquan. I also discussed how many karateka are dissuaded from pursuing a study of the internal arts (or any other Chinese forms) because of their perceived complexity and “overly 2012-01-07T16:01:53.525+08:006http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/01/bridging-gulf-between-karate-and.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/d_foIJSwVYM/surviving-surprise-attack.htmlsurprisecivilian defenceRory Millerlate initiativeblocksimultaneousnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:56:19 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-676032396763696173Introduction I have been asked recently by email what it is I have against "simultaneous initiative". For those who have come in late, "simultaneous initiative" is where you effect a simultaneous block/deflect and counter - or alternatively strike in a manner that negates the need for any block1 or deflection. By contrast, "late initiative" is where you are forced to evade or block/deflect, 2012-01-08T14:56:19.550+08:003http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2012/01/surviving-surprise-attack.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/3kWyh7xJ1nU/king-of-cool-side-thrust-kick.htmlside thrust kickJim KellyBruce LeeBob Wallbasicsnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:27:07 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-6317562807314220377IntroductionFollowing on from my article on refining the front snap kick, here are some more kicking tips, this time in relation to the side thrust kick. The side thrust kick is possibly the second most useful kick in the civilian defence arsenal after the front kick (many people think it is the roundhouse kick, but I disagree - more on that another time). And apart from any usefulness inherent2012-01-01T07:27:07.416+08:0016http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2011/12/king-of-cool-side-thrust-kick.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/mAxmCtX0TXE/advanced-techniques.htmlMartin Wattsdestructive cyclexingyiadvanced techniquesnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sat, 19 Nov 2011 22:08:57 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-410127237441255188IntroductionRecently the subject of “advanced techniques” has been debated on the Traditional Fighting Arts Forums.I think it is self-evident that there are some techniques or forms are much harder to learn - not just because they require mere athleticism, but because they require subtler kinaesthetics and the ability to execute them depends on years upon years of “precursor” training.They might 2011-11-20T14:08:57.666+08:007http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2011/11/advanced-techniques.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/WhF6UI-rxVc/front-kick-body-leaning-back-or-forward.htmlhipsfront kickleanGordon Fouliskururunfamae gerinoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:43:46 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-4012418680546158267You will recall that I recently answered a question from Dave T about the chamber of the ankle in the front kick. Dave had a second question, which was as follows:"I was once showed a front kick where the body is leaned forward towards the target. The kick is similar to the karate version except for the deliberate forward leaning motion of the body.Some reasons for the forward leaning body:1. 2011-11-04T14:43:46.742+08:002http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2011/11/front-kick-body-leaning-back-or-forward.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/jBArzEh8T-4/dynamic-context-drills.htmlembu2 persondrillssituational reflexdynamic contextnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:38:17 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-419812766041619220IntroductionIn my article “Situational reflex: the key to martial effectiveness” I discussed the importance of appropriate situational reflexes in martial arts. Then in “Rhythm and its importance in developing situational reflex” I discussed how such reflexes might be developed – ie. through drills that set up the relevant situation in a dynamic context. A “dynamic context” is, of course, one 2011-11-04T16:38:17.064+08:006http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2011/10/dynamic-context-drills.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/xI2xVO6nOX0/standing-start-drills-whats-wrong-with.htmlstanding start drillssituational reflex blind spotsituational reflexdynamic contextnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:08:09 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-3680572238798746386IntroductionIn my recent article “Rhythm and its importance in developing situational reflex” I discussed the need for martial arts drills to take place in a “dynamic context” – namely a context in which a rhythm can be established so that situational reflex can be inculcated.But what do people usually do when they wish to practice a technique? They isolate the movement into a “standing start” 2011-11-03T14:08:09.352+08:005http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2011/10/standing-start-drills-whats-wrong-with.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/NbxMYuT-pqc/rhythm-and-its-importance-in-developing.htmlsituational reflex blind spotrandori2 persondrillsrhythmsituational reflexPatrick McCarthydynamic contextnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:44:14 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-2211981676730674872IntroductionIn my previous article “Situational reflex: the key to martial effectiveness” I discussed the need for martial artists to develop “situational reflexes” – ie. appropriate reflexive reactions for the potential situations we might face.To do this, I think the first (and most pressing) issue is to identify the situations that we are likely to encounter. These include what Patrick 2011-11-02T14:44:14.720+08:000http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2011/10/rhythm-and-its-importance-in-developing.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/PUE4L4kX570/front-kick-ankle-chambered-up-or-down.htmlfront kicktaekwondoankle orientationtoesnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:51:26 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-5676057703022737387IntroductionI recently received two queries from Dave T on my article "Back to basics: the front kick". Because the queries raise quite important points I thought I'd canvas them more completely (and hopefully more clearly) as separate blog articles rather than as a reply in the comments section.Dave's first question: ankle chamberDave's first question was as follows:"What is your opinion of the2011-11-06T12:51:26.774+08:005http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2011/10/front-kick-ankle-chambered-up-or-down.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dandjurdjevic/~3/kzVFVVk1wbI/situational-reflex-key-to-martial.htmlsituational reflex blind spotfront kickreaction timeLyoto MachidaAnderson Silvasituational reflexnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Djurdjevic)Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:49:35 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135073576999431197.post-4989381454124296096IntroductionIn a recent post I discussed a query from a Traditional Fighting Arts Forums member, Emero, about how to deal with circular kicks such as roundhouse kicks, spinning kicks and crescent kicks. In particular Emero wanted to know how he could improve his responses to his master’s use of those kicks in sparring.Clearly, the goal for a martial artist is to develop reflex reactions. Emero’2011-11-23T09:49:35.357+08:000http://dandjurdjevic.blogspot.com/2011/10/situational-reflex-key-to-martial.htmlnonadult