Smoking in the boys room

[adosorken]

As much as I agree with the teachings of Bruce Lee and the path of Jeet Kun Do, I would have to say that that is one of the things that I disagree with. There are occasions where physical force is required...for example, when two men armed with knives with full intent to kill you appear from out of nowhere and immediately attack you (actual experience here).

[TheBigBasicQ]

You are correct. You can't just sit back while someone kicks your ass =P.

I find bruce lees teaching more of avoid conflict and avoid the first use policy =).

[adosorken]

In my case, it was "put these people down or lose your life". One of them never got up again, and the family tried to get the State to try me for murder. Because I was unarmed, and I was being attacked by two people armed with deadly weapons with the intent to kill, no charges were ever brought against me. This was exactly ten years ago...almost to the day. April 25th, 1994. Without that background in martial arts, I'd not be here today. So when people speak of "the fight that never comes"...to some of us, yes...the fight DOES come.

Yes, physical force is always the last option, rather than the first. Lee was a very wise man, and I've learned a lot from his writings and writings that others have written that either knew him or were inspired by him. He wasn't the only martial arts master that spoke from wisdom, though...people like Sifu Abrescy, for example, wrote and exercised very powerful teachings. Lee just happened to be one of the most popular. Chuck Norris, a world-renowned high-degree black belt in a number of disciplines, has also written some interesting reads. There's quite a few excellent masters of the arts, both past and present.

[TheBigBasicQ]

It's good to know that many such teachers exist amongst us =).

[Rhiannon]

I love Walker, Texas Ranger

[na_th_an]

And he performed great against Bruce Lee in those two films

[Rokkuman]

I wouldn't go so far as to say you 'fail at martial arts'... or anything like that. I've always told people that before I die, I want to get into at least one fight. Not to harm anyone in any way, but for the experience. I've always been fascinated with fight scenes, and whatnot, and I beleive the fighting itsself is an art. Unfortunately, many others don't think so as well, and their only goal is to hurt/kill/snag your wallet, but I see a little bit more in it.

[na_th_an]

Rockuman, you can always go to tournaments.

[Rokkuman]

Rockuman, you can always go to tournaments.

Yep, that's what I plan on doing...

[adosorken]

Tournaments aren't the same deal though...that's the only problem. A real life fight leaves you no time for preparation, or if you get any, it's very little. In a tournament, you have plenty of time to prepare. You also know that you are less likely to lose your life in a tournament (though I've seen someone lose their life to a simple iron broom). In real life, someone's out to hurt or kill you and you know your very survival depends on your skill, your experience, and your emotions.

Other than that...tournaments are pretty fun. They are also very educational. Of course, spectators are usually only there to see people beat up each other :o but from the martial artist's point of view, it's a chance to expand your own horizons and put some of that training to good use...