matthew miller's blog

I try to practice as often as I can. Awhile ago I was getting some pointers on doing a short round house on a hanging bag. As I was gaining in the lesson I learned that those bags have a hard plastic core in the middle. Several times, as I was getting better at the kick, I was hitting that core. Needless to say getting the kick better was great, butting hitting the core........ ouch. At mt my home gym, better known as the garage, I have a sand filled hanging bag that is 90lbs. I started off, you know, wheel kicks, side thrusts, hookers and oh yes short round houses. Much to my dismay, and several colorful words later, that in retrospect would have made a pirate blush, I discovered that my bag has a core in it as well. Not only did I feel the core this time but, now I have a piece of it leaning against one side of the bag. Now I have to spin the bag and place that spot away from in coming foot work. Does any one know how to repair the core?

Just wanted to say Thank you to Shifu Liz and Shun Shifu Weaver for all the help with putting on the class. It was a great learning tool. Again Thanks. Mr Miller

I had an interesting experience yesterday. I went up country to scout for places to cut firewood and run my dogs. As it is hunting season I went to a game refuge, I just don't feel like getting shot at accidentally. Since I do have a concealed carry permit for safety reasons I carry a personal defense fire arm whenever I'm in the woods alone. After my scouting was done I was loading up my dogs and was stopped by 2 game wardens. The normal questions ensued ie; what was I doing, was I hunting, did I have any fire arms, etc. When I advised of my status I was detained until all my checks came back clear. The interesting thing is I learned that even with a personal defense permit and a legal fire arm, I still could not carry in that wildlife area. I guess this is the motivation needed to put some short staff, or walking stick, techniques together. My shepherd of course did not know what was happening and went after the closest warden to me when he tried to detain me. Needless to say it almost ended badly. I called off the dog, just before contact with the warden, and put her back in the truck. The warden was just breaking the holster with his fire arm when she stopped. Everything ended ok but this experience has motivated me to put some walking stick techniques together. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Mr Miller

"With two thousand years or more of experience behind us we have no excuse, when fighting, for not fighting well"

T. E. Lawrence

Train Hard, Mr Miller

"Pratctice outdoors" Traditon is, from what I have understood, the martial arts have been practiced mainly out of doors. This makes sense on several levels, economically and tactically. On the battle field of old one would run into many obstatcles. Not only from the enemy but also the terrain. Gravel, inclines, declines, forested areas, heavy sand, and now days curbs. All of these can be a detriment or a powerful ally,  in any type of physical conflict. Ones awareness of these, can  be a tactical and strategic advantage should the need arise. Keep these in mind when practicing. Mr Miller

I changed the word "judo" to "shou shu" for this posting, however I beleive the meaning remains the same.

>" By training one in attacks and defences, Shou Shu refines the body and the soul. It helps one make the essence of Shou shu a part of his very core. In this way, we are able to perfect ourselves and create something of value to the world."

                                               Jigoro Kano

"Whatever  the  circumstances, diginity  does not change. Preparing correctly and boldly, not yielding to the enemy's movements---- this is dignity. With this stragety, an enemy can be controlled without even moving. Overwhelming the opponent with ones own movement is strength. Within the calmness of a dignified bearing are hidden a thousand changes. Those movements that come from such a bearing have the power to deal with ten thousand changes that might appear. In essence, then, dignity and strength area the same" 

                                                                          Kofujita
 

" Keep it interesting. "
Lets face it some times practice can seem monotonous and/or boring. Keep it fun. Try practicing techniques on the other side (you should be anyway). Or try making up your own techniques using the belt principles you are working on or adding principles from a belt(s) you have already passed. The possibilities can go as far as the imagination. Have fun and train hard. Mr. Miller

I'm hoping this will become a regular discussion, with everyones ideas and motivations. I will try and put some topic up weekly.

"Practice slowly"  Many times it is necessary to practice a technique or movement slowly. This allows muscle memory and feeling to begin to develope.  Practicing slowly enough to make corrections in the techniques or movements without creating stops can be extremely beneficial. It is difficult, at times, to try and take out stops that have been artificially or unintentially created.

" Slow is smooth, smooth is fast"

Mr. Miller

With dilligent training and an open focused mind, even the toughest techniques will reveal there secrets.