August 04, 2009, at 12:32 PM by Martin Fick -

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FAQ

I have been receiving similar questions about the group, so I started an FAQ.

Group Research Formats

Some suggestions to help a group of free minded individuals work together.

Deleted lines 49-65:

Some of the previous meeting places in Northern Virginia have been:

Cutter Mill Park in Herndon Va.
Park in Reston, Va.
The Ellipse in front of the White House.

FAQ

I have been receiving similar questions about the group, so I started an FAQ.

Group Research Formats

Some suggestions to help a group of free minded individuals work together.

April 24, 2008, at 03:54 PM by Martin Fick -

Changed lines 27-29 from:

The Boulder MARG is small, but we have been meeting fairly steadily lately (March 2008) and we are making efforts to grow the group now. We primarily meet either at someone's house or in a park if the weather is nice. We keep in touch via email and phone, you may join our mailing list http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/MARG-Boulder/join, introduce yourself; or if you want a more personal introduction, you can email me. We are mostly a group of experienced practitioners, but we welcome complete newbies too, you may find the environment more conducive to quick learning than a traditional school.

to:

The Boulder MARG is small, but we have been meeting fairly steadily lately (March 2008) and we are making efforts to grow the group now. We primarily meet either at someone's house or in a park if the weather is nice. We keep in touch via email and phone, you may join our mailing list http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/MARG-Boulder/join, introduce yourself; or if you want a more personal introduction, you can email me, mailto:mogulguy@yahoo.com. We are mostly a group of experienced practitioners, but we welcome complete newbies too, you may find the environment more conducive to quick learning than a traditional school.

April 24, 2008, at 03:54 PM by Martin Fick -

Changed lines 27-29 from:

The Boulder MARG is small, but we have been meeting fairly steadily lately (March 2008) and we are making efforts to grow the group now. We primarily meet either at someone's house or in a park if the weather is nice. We keep in touch via email and phone, you may join our mailing list here, introduce yourself; or if you want a more personal introduction, you can email me. We are mostly a group of experienced practitioners, but we welcome complete newbies too, you may find the environment more conducive to quick learning than a traditional school.

to:

The Boulder MARG is small, but we have been meeting fairly steadily lately (March 2008) and we are making efforts to grow the group now. We primarily meet either at someone's house or in a park if the weather is nice. We keep in touch via email and phone, you may join our mailing list http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/MARG-Boulder/join, introduce yourself; or if you want a more personal introduction, you can email me. We are mostly a group of experienced practitioners, but we welcome complete newbies too, you may find the environment more conducive to quick learning than a traditional school.

March 03, 2008, at 03:55 PM by Martin Fick -

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\\\

to:

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The Need

to:

Not a School

March 03, 2008, at 03:46 PM by Martin Fick -

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to:

\\\

March 03, 2008, at 03:43 PM by Martin Fick -

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This is not a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of good Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school, this is a completely different approach to martial arts training and information exchange.

This is a place where a complete newbie can practice/learn techniques without any dogma, and a place where ranked individuals (black belts) can have fun and learn from each other without having to follow each other's "style", without any one person as "the" authority. This is a place where you may meet someone to train with on your own and a place where you may just be exposed to new ideas. We encourage/hope you will also seek other learning avenues/places and come share what you have learned with us!

to:

This is not a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of good martial art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school, this is a completely different approach to martial arts training and information exchange.

This is a place where a complete newbie can practice/learn techniques without any dogma, and a place where ranked individuals (black belts) can have fun and learn from each other without having to follow each other's "style", without any one person as "the" authority. This is a place where you may meet someone to train with on your own, and a place where you may just be exposed to new ideas and training methods. We encourage/hope you will also seek other learning avenues/places and come share what you have learned with us!

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The Boulder MARG is small, but we have been meeting fairly steadily lately (March 2008) and we are making efforts to grow the group now. We primarily meet either at someone's house or in a park if the weather is nice. We keep in touch via email and phone, you may join our mailing list here, introduce yourself! We are mostly a group of experienced practioners, but we welcome complete newbies too, you may find the environment more conducive to quick learning than a traditional school.

to:

The Boulder MARG is small, but we have been meeting fairly steadily lately (March 2008) and we are making efforts to grow the group now. We primarily meet either at someone's house or in a park if the weather is nice. We keep in touch via email and phone, you may join our mailing list here, introduce yourself; or if you want a more personal introduction, you can email me. We are mostly a group of experienced practitioners, but we welcome complete newbies too, you may find the environment more conducive to quick learning than a traditional school.

Changed lines 33-40 from:

The Defunct Virginia MARG

Previously there was a MARG in Northern Virginia. There are still several members in the area who may be interested in reviving the group, if you are interested, let me know I will put you in touch with them. mogulguy@yahoo.com.

Some of our previous meeting places in Northern Virginia have been:

to:

The Defunct Virginia MARG

Previously there was a MARG in Northern Virginia. There are still several members in the area who may be interested in reviving the group, if you are interested, let me know, I will put you in touch with them.

Some of the previous meeting places in Northern Virginia have been:

Changed lines 43-45 from:

mogulguy@yahoo.com.

to:

March 03, 2008, at 03:35 PM by Martin Fick -

Changed lines 3-13 from:

I seek, but do not know of any collaborative environment where experienced martial artists from several styles get together as peers to practice and discuss techniques, principals and theories openly and freely.

Therefore, I am looking to form a Study/Practice Group for Martial Artists in the greater Denver/Boulder area. This is not meant to be a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of good Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school.

The Goal

The purpose of the Martial Arts Research Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas and applications. Read more about this goal.

to:

MARG is a collaborative environment where experienced martial artists from various styles and backgrounds can get together as peers to practice and discuss martial techniques, principals, and theories, openly and freely. Currently we are focused on meeting in the greater Boulder area.

This is not a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of good Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school, this is a completely different approach to martial arts training and information exchange.

This is a place where a complete newbie can practice/learn techniques without any dogma, and a place where ranked individuals (black belts) can have fun and learn from each other without having to follow each other's "style", without any one person as "the" authority. This is a place where you may meet someone to train with on your own and a place where you may just be exposed to new ideas. We encourage/hope you will also seek other learning avenues/places and come share what you have learned with us!

If you are interested in training regularly whether you are a newbie or a 5th Dan, consider joining us!

The Formal Goal

The purpose of the Martial Arts Research Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas, theories, and applications. Read more about this formal goal.

Spreading The MARG Vision

MARG is an idea that any group of individuals can assemble under. There is no requirement that you join a school, that you pay fees or bow to someone. While this site is currently focused on the Boulder MARG, if you share the MARG vision, setup your own MARG in your area, and maybe even let us know about it so that we can help you spread the word about your local group. You may use this wiki to do so but you should probably get your own mailing list.

The Boulder MARG

The Boulder MARG is small, but we have been meeting fairly steadily lately (March 2008) and we are making efforts to grow the group now. We primarily meet either at someone's house or in a park if the weather is nice. We keep in touch via email and phone, you may join our mailing list here, introduce yourself! We are mostly a group of experienced practioners, but we welcome complete newbies too, you may find the environment more conducive to quick learning than a traditional school.

Changed lines 29-44 from:

I would like to learn as much as possible about personal combat and defense but I have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice from a school. Martial arts schools are a means to propagate and practice techniques (amongst other things), but they do not seem to be a very good environment for research and experimentation and they rarely provide opportunities to develop real fighting experts. While many schools are very good and have knowledgeable instructors, their agendas simply do not seem to be conducive to critically and comprehensively studying martial arts techniques. (more on this)

The Time and The Place

We will announce meeting places and times here. Feel free to suggest one, you can even add it yourself if you'd like.

Some of our previous meeting places in Norhtern Virginia have been:

Monday August 22th - We met at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon, Va.
Saturday July 30th - We met at the Ellipse in front of the White House.
Near Fair Oaks shopping center.

to:

I would like to learn as much as possible about personal combat and defense but I (and others) have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that we want to learn and practice from a school. Martial arts schools are a means to propagate and practice techniques (amongst other things), but they do not seem to be a very good environment for research and experimentation and they rarely provide opportunities to develop real fighting experts. While many schools are very good and have knowledgeable instructors, their agendas simply do not seem to be conducive to critically and comprehensively studying martial arts techniques. (more on this)

The Defunct Virginia MARG

Previously there was a MARG in Northern Virginia. There are still several members in the area who may be interested in reviving the group, if you are interested, let me know I will put you in touch with them. mogulguy@yahoo.com.

Some of our previous meeting places in Northern Virginia have been:

Changed lines 41-45 from:

If you are intersted in training regularly whether you are a newbie or a 5th Dan, contact me at mogulguy@yahoo.com.

to:

Park in Reston, Va.
The Ellipse in front of the White House.

mogulguy@yahoo.com.

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While the goal of the group is not necessarily to produce anything, rather simply to perform experience based research, you may use the Martial Arts Research wiki to record and discuss any actual content which the group produces.

to:

While the goal of the group is not necessarily to produce anything, rather simply to perform experience based research, you may use the Martial Arts Research wiki to record and discuss any actual content which the group produces.

April 25, 2006, at 11:44 AM by MartinFick -

Changed lines 6-8 from:

Therefore, I am looking to form a Study/Practice Group for Martial Artists in Northern Virginia. This is not meant to be a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of good Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school.

to:

Therefore, I am looking to form a Study/Practice Group for Martial Artists in the greater Denver/Boulder area. This is not meant to be a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of good Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school.

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Some of our previous meeting places have been:

to:

Some of our previous meeting places in Norhtern Virginia have been:

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If you are intersted in training regularly whether you are a newbie or a 5th Dan, contact me at fick@fgm.com.

(:comment %red% Monday %% We will NOT be meeting at the Heights High School Gym in Potomac. [[The Heights H.S.-> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=The+Heights+H.S,+10400+Seven+Locks+Road,+Potomac,+MD&ll=39.027497,-77.161828&spn=0.032780,0.061114&num=3&start=0&hl=en]] 10400 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD :)

to:

If you are intersted in training regularly whether you are a newbie or a 5th Dan, contact me at mogulguy@yahoo.com.

Changed line 52 from:

A wiki to discuss the Martial Arts principals.

to:

While the goal of the group is not necessarily to produce anything, rather simply to perform experience based research, you may use the Martial Arts Research wiki to record and discuss any actual content which the group produces.

August 23, 2005, at 01:52 PM by fick -

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Monday August 22th - 7:00pm We will meet at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon, Va.

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Monday August 22th - We met at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon, Va.

Deleted lines 35-36:

(:comment %red% Wednesday June 29th - 7:30 pm %% - I tought I would try a weekday evening once in a while. Come out to [[Cutter Mill Park -> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=herndon+va&ll=38.977478,-77.392179&spn=0.063171,0.044849&hl=en ]]. Hope to see you there! :) (:comment %red% Sunday June 26th - 9:30 am %% - Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 26th at 9:30am at [[Cutter Mill Park -> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=herndon+va&ll=38.977478,-77.392179&spn=0.063171,0.044849&hl=en ]]. Hope to see you there! :)

August 18, 2005, at 10:03 PM by Martin -

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Monday August 15th CANCELLED We will NOT be meeting at the Heights High School Gym in Potomac.

(:comment [[The Heights H.S.-> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=The+Heights+H.S,+10400+Seven+Locks+Road,+Potomac,+MD&ll=39.027497,-77.161828&spn=0.032780,0.061114&num=3&start=0&hl=en]] 10400 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD :)

to:

Monday August 22th - 7:00pm We will meet at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon, Va.

Changed lines 39-40 from:

to:

(:comment %red% Monday %% We will NOT be meeting at the Heights High School Gym in Potomac. [[The Heights H.S.-> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=The+Heights+H.S,+10400+Seven+Locks+Road,+Potomac,+MD&ll=39.027497,-77.161828&spn=0.032780,0.061114&num=3&start=0&hl=en]] 10400 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD :)

August 15, 2005, at 09:08 AM by Martin -

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 The Heights H.S.
 10400 Seven Locks Road
 Potomac, MD

to:

(:comment [[The Heights H.S.-> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=The+Heights+H.S,+10400+Seven+Locks+Road,+Potomac,+MD&ll=39.027497,-77.161828&spn=0.032780,0.061114&num=3&start=0&hl=en]] 10400 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD :)

August 15, 2005, at 08:51 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 23-24 from:

Monday August 15th - 8:00pm We will be meeting at the Heights High School Gym in Potomac, look for Al Battistal.

to:

Monday August 15th CANCELLED We will NOT be meeting at the Heights High School Gym in Potomac.

August 12, 2005, at 11:31 AM by Martin -

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  The Heights H.S.

to:

 The Heights H.S.

August 12, 2005, at 11:30 AM by Martin -

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 The Heights H.

to:

  The Heights H.S.

August 12, 2005, at 11:12 AM by Martin -

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Monday August 15th - 8:00pm We will be meeting at the Heights High School Gym in Potomac, I hope you will join us!

to:

Monday August 15th - 8:00pm We will be meeting at the Heights High School Gym in Potomac, look for Al Battistal.

August 12, 2005, at 11:10 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 21-22 from:

We will announce meeting places and times here. Feel free to suggest one, you can even add it yourself if you'd like. Some of our previous meeting places have been:

to:

We will announce meeting places and times here. Feel free to suggest one, you can even add it yourself if you'd like.

Monday August 15th - 8:00pm We will be meeting at the Heights High School Gym in Potomac, I hope you will join us!

 The Heights H.
 10400 Seven Locks Road
 Potomac, MD

Some of our previous meeting places have been:

August 02, 2005, at 11:28 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 21-22 from:

We will announce meeting places and times here. Feel free to suggest one, you can add it here. Here are some of our previous meeting places:

to:

We will announce meeting places and times here. Feel free to suggest one, you can even add it yourself if you'd like. Some of our previous meeting places have been:

August 02, 2005, at 10:59 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 21-22 from:

In the past we have met at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon Va at 8 a.m. weekdays and practiced/researched for 1 to 2 hours. Currently our small group has disbanded and I would like to get it started again. I am looking for new participants. The time and place are not paramount, I am certainly open to suggestions.

to:

We will announce meeting places and times here. Feel free to suggest one, you can add it here. Here are some of our previous meeting places:

Saturday July 30th - We met at the Ellipse in front of the White House.
Near Fair Oaks shopping center.
Cutter Mill Park in Herndon Va.

Changed lines 31-33 from:

Saturday July 30th - 12:00 pm - We will be meeting this Saturday at noon at the Elippse in front of the White House. Look for us on the North West corner of the Ellipse. Hope to see you there!

to:

July 27, 2005, at 08:31 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 25-27 from:

to:

Saturday July 30th - 12:00 pm - We will be meeting this Saturday at noon at the Elippse in front of the White House. Look for us on the North West corner of the Ellipse. Hope to see you there!

July 14, 2005, at 01:34 PM by Martin -

Added lines 30-34:

FAQ

I have been receiving similar questions about the group, so I started an FAQ.

Deleted lines 37-41:

FAQ

I have been receiving similar questions about the group, so I started an FAQ.

June 30, 2005, at 08:42 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 26-28 from:

Wednesday June 29th - 7:30 pm - I tought I would try a weekday evening once in a while. Come out to Cutter Mill Park. Hope to see you there!

to:

(:comment %red% Wednesday June 29th - 7:30 pm %% - I tought I would try a weekday evening once in a while. Come out to [[Cutter Mill Park -> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=herndon+va&ll=38.977478,-77.392179&spn=0.063171,0.044849&hl=en ]]. Hope to see you there! :)

June 28, 2005, at 09:15 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 26-28 from:

Sunday June 26th - 9:30 am - Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 26th at 9:30am at Cutter Mill Park. Hope to see you there!

to:

Wednesday June 29th - 7:30 pm - I tought I would try a weekday evening once in a while. Come out to Cutter Mill Park. Hope to see you there!

(:comment %red% Sunday June 26th - 9:30 am %% - Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 26th at 9:30am at [[Cutter Mill Park -> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=herndon+va&ll=38.977478,-77.392179&spn=0.063171,0.044849&hl=en ]]. Hope to see you there! :)

June 21, 2005, at 10:43 AM by Martin -

Added lines 32-36:

FAQ

I have been receiving similar questions about the group, so I started an FAQ.

June 20, 2005, at 10:12 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 26-28 from:

(:comment %red% Sunday June 19th - 9:30 am %% - Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 19th at 9:30am at [[Cutter Mill Park -> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=herndon+va&ll=38.977478,-77.392179&spn=0.063171,0.044849&hl=en ]]. Hope to see you there! :)

to:

Sunday June 26th - 9:30 am - Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 26th at 9:30am at Cutter Mill Park. Hope to see you there!

June 19, 2005, at 12:12 PM by 192.168.1.11 -

Changed lines 26-30 from:

Sunday June 19th - 9:30 am

Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 19th at 9:30am at Cutter Mill Park. Hope to see you there!

to:

(:comment %red% Sunday June 19th - 9:30 am %% - Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 19th at 9:30am at [[Cutter Mill Park -> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=herndon+va&ll=38.977478,-77.392179&spn=0.063171,0.044849&hl=en ]]. Hope to see you there! :)

June 17, 2005, at 12:50 PM by Martin -

Changed lines 28-29 from:

Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 19th at 9:30am at Cutter Mill Park. Hope to see you there!

to:

Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 19th at 9:30am at Cutter Mill Park. Hope to see you there!

Group Research Formats

Some suggestions to help a group of free minded individuals work together.

Deleted lines 37-42:

Group Research Formats

Some suggestions to help a group of free minded individuals work together.

June 14, 2005, at 09:23 AM by Martin -

Added lines 25-29:

Sunday June 19th - 9:30 am

Since many people can only meet on weekends, we will meet this Sunday, June 19th at 9:30am at Cutter Mill Park. Hope to see you there!

June 10, 2005, at 11:43 AM by Martin -

Added lines 25-26:

Added lines 29-34:

Group Research Formats

Some suggestions to help a group of free minded individuals work together.

Changed line 37 from:

A wiki to discuss the Martial Arts principals.

to:

A wiki to discuss the Martial Arts principals.

June 08, 2005, at 03:06 PM by Martin -

Changed lines 16-18 from:

I would like to learn as much as possible about personal combat and defense but I have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice from a school. Martial arts schools are a means to propagate and practice techniques (amongst other things), but they do not seem to be a very good environment for research and experimentation and they rarely provide opportunities to develop real fighting experts. While many schools are very good and have knowledgeable instructors, their agendas simply do not seem to be conducive to critically and comprehensively studying martial arts techniques.

to:

I would like to learn as much as possible about personal combat and defense but I have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice from a school. Martial arts schools are a means to propagate and practice techniques (amongst other things), but they do not seem to be a very good environment for research and experimentation and they rarely provide opportunities to develop real fighting experts. While many schools are very good and have knowledgeable instructors, their agendas simply do not seem to be conducive to critically and comprehensively studying martial arts techniques. (more on this)

June 07, 2005, at 10:34 PM by Martin -

Changed lines 11-13 from:

The purpose of the Martial Arts Research Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas and applications. Read more about this goal.?

to:

The purpose of the Martial Arts Research Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas and applications. Read more about this goal.

June 07, 2005, at 08:36 PM by Martin -

Changed lines 6-8 from:

Therfore, I am looking to form a Study/Practice Group for Martial Artists in Northern Virginia. This is not meant to be a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of good Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school.

to:

Therefore, I am looking to form a Study/Practice Group for Martial Artists in Northern Virginia. This is not meant to be a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of good Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school.

Changed lines 16-18 from:

I would like to learn how to fight better but I have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice in a martial arts school. Martial arts schools provide a means to propagate and practice techniques (amongst other things), but they do not provide a very good enviroment for research and experimentation and they rarely provide opportunities to develop real fighting experts. While many schools are very good and have knowledgeable instructors their agendas simply do not seem to be conducive to comprehensively studying martial arts techniques.

to:

I would like to learn as much as possible about personal combat and defense but I have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice from a school. Martial arts schools are a means to propagate and practice techniques (amongst other things), but they do not seem to be a very good environment for research and experimentation and they rarely provide opportunities to develop real fighting experts. While many schools are very good and have knowledgeable instructors, their agendas simply do not seem to be conducive to critically and comprehensively studying martial arts techniques.

Changed lines 21-22 from:

In the past we have met at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon Va at 8 a.m. weekdays and practiced/researched for 1 to 2 hours. Currently our small group has disbanded and I would like to get it started again. I am looking for new participants. The time and place are not paramount and I am open to suggestions.

to:

In the past we have met at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon Va at 8 a.m. weekdays and practiced/researched for 1 to 2 hours. Currently our small group has disbanded and I would like to get it started again. I am looking for new participants. The time and place are not paramount, I am certainly open to suggestions.

June 07, 2005, at 03:57 PM by Martin -

Changed lines 4-9 from:

I am looking to form a Study/Practice Group for Martial Artists in Northern Virginia. This is not meant to be a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school.

to:

I seek, but do not know of any collaborative environment where experienced martial artists from several styles get together as peers to practice and discuss techniques, principals and theories openly and freely.

Therfore, I am looking to form a Study/Practice Group for Martial Artists in Northern Virginia. This is not meant to be a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of good Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school.

Changed lines 16-24 from:

I would like to learn how to fight better but I have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice in a martial art school no matter what the style or how good the instructor is. I do not know of any collaborative environment where expoerienced martial artists from several styles get together as peers to practice and discuss techniques, principals and theories openly and freely.

The Time and Place

In the past we have met at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon Va at 8 a.m. weekdays and practiced/researched for 1 to 2 hours. Currently our small group has disbanded and I would like to get it started again. I am looking for new participants. The time and place are not paramount and I am open to suggestions.

to:

I would like to learn how to fight better but I have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice in a martial arts school. Martial arts schools provide a means to propagate and practice techniques (amongst other things), but they do not provide a very good enviroment for research and experimentation and they rarely provide opportunities to develop real fighting experts. While many schools are very good and have knowledgeable instructors their agendas simply do not seem to be conducive to comprehensively studying martial arts techniques.

The Time and The Place

In the past we have met at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon Va at 8 a.m. weekdays and practiced/researched for 1 to 2 hours. Currently our small group has disbanded and I would like to get it started again. I am looking for new participants. The time and place are not paramount and I am open to suggestions.

Changed lines 25-28 from:

Organizational Guidelines
Reference Library
Equipment

to:

Martial Arts Research

A wiki to discuss the Martial Arts principals.

June 07, 2005, at 03:05 PM by Martin -

Changed lines 8-18 from:

In the past we have met at [[Cutter Mill Park in Herndon, Va t -> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=herndon+va&ll=38.977478,-77.392179&spn=0.063171,0.044849&hl=en]] 8 a.m. weekdays and practiced/researched for 1 to 2 hours. Currently our small group has disbanded and I would like to get it started again. I am looking for new participants. But thetime and place are not paramount and I am open to suggestions.

If you are intersted in training regularly whether you are a newbie or a 5th Dan, contact me at fick@fgm.com.

The Goal ?

to:

The Goal

Changed lines 15-29 from:

The Need ?

I would like to learn how to fight better but have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice in a martial art school no matter what the style or however good the instructor is.

Schools are setup to have teacher/student relationships and they have a curriculum and an agenda. The agenda is usually one or more of: making money, spreading the tradition of a particular style or teaching a competitive sport. While this may teach you a about martial arts, sooner or later these agendas will get in the way of the search for effective techniques. The more experience you have, the sooner this will become obvious in any school.

I have plenty of knowledge and I do not want to be just another student, I want to question and debunk any technique which I feel is not effective. While I am open to and do learn from anyone not matter what their skill level, I do not want to accept as fact what an instructor is preaching, I want them to prove to me that they can use a technique against people other than his students, against beginners and against teachers from other schools!

I am not looking to get another black belt or become an instructor within an organization, I just want to learn more and get better! I want to practice what I think will work, not what is on someone else's curriculum. On occasion I want to test my skills by sparring without letting rules get in the way. I want to practice a technique until I feel like I actually understand it and could use it effectively. I want to practice with someone who is going to try to refute what I think works so that I don't delude myself.

I hope that this group could help make this a reality.

-Martin

to:

The Need

I would like to learn how to fight better but I have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice in a martial art school no matter what the style or how good the instructor is. I do not know of any collaborative environment where expoerienced martial artists from several styles get together as peers to practice and discuss techniques, principals and theories openly and freely.

The Time and Place

In the past we have met at Cutter Mill Park in Herndon Va at 8 a.m. weekdays and practiced/researched for 1 to 2 hours. Currently our small group has disbanded and I would like to get it started again. I am looking for new participants. The time and place are not paramount and I am open to suggestions.

If you are intersted in training regularly whether you are a newbie or a 5th Dan, contact me at fick@fgm.com.

June 07, 2005, at 02:50 PM by Martin -

Changed lines 24-36 from:

I would like to learn how to fight better but have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice in a martial art school no matter what the style or however good the instructor is.

Schools are setup to have teacher/student relationships and they have a curriculum and an agenda. The agenda is usually one or more of: making money, spreading the tradition of a particular style or teaching a competitive sport. While this may teach you a about martial arts, sooner or later these agendas will get in the way of the search for effective techniques. The more experience you have, the sooner this will become obvious in any school.

I have plenty of knowledge and I do not want to be just another student, I want to question and debunk any technique which I feel is not effective. While I am open to and do learn from anyone not matter what their skill level, I do not want to accept as fact what an instructor is preaching, I want them to prove to me that they can use a technique against people other than his students, against beginners and against teachers from other schools!

I am not looking to get another black belt or become an instructor within an organization, I just want to learn more and get better! I want to practice what I think will work, not what is on someone else's curriculum. On occasion I want to test my skills by sparring without letting rules get in the way. I want to practice a technique until I feel like I actually understand it and could use it effectively. I want to practice with someone who is going to try to refute what I think works so that I don't delude myself.

I hope that this group could help make this a reality.

-Martin

to:

I would like to learn how to fight better but have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice in a martial art school no matter what the style or however good the instructor is.

Schools are setup to have teacher/student relationships and they have a curriculum and an agenda. The agenda is usually one or more of: making money, spreading the tradition of a particular style or teaching a competitive sport. While this may teach you a about martial arts, sooner or later these agendas will get in the way of the search for effective techniques. The more experience you have, the sooner this will become obvious in any school.

I have plenty of knowledge and I do not want to be just another student, I want to question and debunk any technique which I feel is not effective. While I am open to and do learn from anyone not matter what their skill level, I do not want to accept as fact what an instructor is preaching, I want them to prove to me that they can use a technique against people other than his students, against beginners and against teachers from other schools!

I am not looking to get another black belt or become an instructor within an organization, I just want to learn more and get better! I want to practice what I think will work, not what is on someone else's curriculum. On occasion I want to test my skills by sparring without letting rules get in the way. I want to practice a technique until I feel like I actually understand it and could use it effectively. I want to practice with someone who is going to try to refute what I think works so that I don't delude myself.

I hope that this group could help make this a reality.

-Martin

June 07, 2005, at 02:48 PM by Martin -

Changed lines 4-126 from:

Goal

The purpose of the Martial Arts Research Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas and applications. To further define this, the following points clarify this broader goal:

APPLICATION FOCUSED - While interesting, researching philosophies or health and practicing discipline or cultural traditions are not goals of the group.

SCIENTIFIC - Experimental in nature, looking for repeatable techniques and testable theories.

OPEN - To anyone with an honest interest in any martial art applications research or training.

HIERARCHY-FREE - Does not seek to establish a political hierarchy or a system of rank.

NON-PROPRIETARY - Choose to share or not to share, but do not put any restrictions on what you share.

NON-STYLISTIC - Will not discriminate against nor will it be constrained by any particular style or system.

NON-RELIGIOUS - While individuals may practice any form of religion from Christianity to the more traditional eastern marital art religions such as Shinto, Budism or Taoism, the group is not a forum for religious teaching or study.

SAFE - Due to the destructive nature of martial arts techniques, it is particularly important to practice safely.

And now in greater detail:

Martial Art

The use of the term Martial Art in the goal above covers all forms of fighting, whether it be self defense, attack, warfare, law enforcement and even sport. Since this is an "all-encompassing" interpretation, it may cover more than what some people are used to. Conversely it is important to clarify your poisition if referring to a specific subset of the martial arts since others in the group may be talking about this all encompassing definition.

Applications

Martial applications are the main focus of the group. This does not mean that research will not be done in other areas, such as history, health, philosophy or forms, but simply that they are not the focus. There are plenty of other groups which focus on these other aspects of martial arts and will probably be more satisfying for anyone interested in those areas of research.

Philosophy is obviously an important part of the martial arts, most of us have our reasons for studying often philosophical in nature. While debating these reasons should be avoided, one should feel free to discuss the philosophy as a (maybe your) goal and to explain that a technique may help achieve this. But arguing whether this goal is noble or not should not overshadow any attempts at research.

Health may be of interest to the group, but not from a perspective of researching health specific applications. Health may be considered an important criteria when selecting techniques if for example one believes that practicing techniques for self defense which harm your body seems oximoronic.

Scientific

It is important that scientific methods be used in the research, which Merriam-Webster defines as:

"principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses"

This should always be kept in mind while discussing the value or effectiveness of a technique. Understanding and being able to demonstrate the usefulness, speed, power and other criteria of a technique in a repetitive manner is desired.

Avoid doctrine or stylistic based arguments when discussing the effectiveness of a technique. Since the goal is to research scientifically, it is probably counteractive to assert that a technique is good simply because someone (such as your teacher) asserted that it was good. Techniques should be judged by merit. Try to prove its effectiveness through physics, not verbal affirmation. I am reminded of this constantly when I believe something should be effective but I can't quite show it. I am grateful if I am not allowed to accept the validity of a technique or theory until I can demonstrate it repeatedly.

Open

Keep the group open to anyone interested in the above goal who does not specifically interfere with it. Since discipline is not a focus of the group and rank is not endorsed, it is critically important that members behave politely and try to remember the goals of the group. That being said you do not need to share in these goals to participate, we ask simply that you respect other members if they seem to focus on them.

Hierarchy-Free

A group cannot be truly open unless it is hierarchy free. Almost every martial artist has been asked "what rank are you?" It seems almost unnatural to imagine the martial arts without rank. Well, like religion, rank is another component of the martial arts that is more cultural than a necessary component. And even then, rank as most people know it is mainly an American "innovation".

The Japanese martial arts probably initiated the use of rank in the martial arts due to the structured nature of their culture. This has lead to large martial organizations which are highly political in nature and rank seems almost to provide a "raison d'être" for many of these.

On the other hand the Americans have taken martial art's rank to the extreme to which Americans are best, the commercial extreme. :) Ranks is a means for many schools to justify extra costs. Every "bar" on every colored belt is an additional fee. Rank keeps students coming back for more. It is amazing how people will pay for acknowledgement.

Since the main purposes of rank seems to be political and disciplinary control (afterall, it is called rank) along with monetary extortion, it should be fairly evident why this is not very meaningfull to research. If you feel that rank helps you understand what knowledge someone has and how valid their opinions are (if only it were that easy), just try the alternate route of asking someone what they know. Ask them to explain why they do something. Ask them to demonstrate their theories. Theories can be discused, tested and debated, rank cannot.

Lastly, respect does not require rank or discipline and is still highly encouraged. An open research group should make anyone feel like they can offer knowledge and ideas. We hope that a rank free environment will help break down any barriers to true scientific investigation.

Non-proprietary

This is mostly likely not going to be a problem, but it could be of concern to some people and is nevertheless and important component to effective research. Since this is a research group, ideas need to be exchanged and discussed freely. It is not possible to progress forward without the ability to investigate the past to see what has already been tried, it is not possible to confirm scientific theories without the ability to replicate and alter experiments. Martial arts knowledge is like physics and it would be a crime if someone could own a branch of science. This being said, it is helpful from an academic standpoint to point out resources and references when appropriate, for starters it helps to clarify the context of a position.

Non-Stylistic

This means that anyone studying any style of martial art and also anyone not studying any martial art should be welcome to join and participate in the group.

It is important to realize that no style can control or limit the motion of the human body which follows the natural laws of physics and anatomy. Most styles have specific goals or philosophies which may limit their movement or techniques. Many styles and schools even have political and commercial goals which strongly influence their techniques and methods of practice. On the other hand no style exists in a vacuum and even more important, no instructor exists in a vacuum, therefor individuals may provide a limited or even an expanded view of a specific style. When discussing a style, try to distinguish your experience with the style from your experience with particular instructors and particular schools.

That being said, styles have martial value and most people in any martial arts group will have a stylistic background. Most of the material covered in training and research will come by way of someone's style. Therefor it is paramount for the group be open to investigating techniques from any style, system or other fighting knowledge base.

Non-Religious

Many of the traditions practiced in eastern martial arts are actually religious rituals. An example is the clapping/bowing that many Aikido schools do at the beginning and end of class. Most westerners just think that these are neat traditions and are a part of the martial art. While tolerance of other people's beliefs is important, a truly open group should not compel anyone to practice any religious rituals.

Whether you believe in Chi or not, please read this. (:if:)

to:

I am looking to form a Study/Practice Group for Martial Artists in Northern Virginia. This is not meant to be a commercial venture but commercial players are welcome to participate. There are plenty of Martial Art schools around and this is not an attempt to setup a school.

In the past we have met at [[Cutter Mill Park in Herndon, Va t -> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=herndon+va&ll=38.977478,-77.392179&spn=0.063171,0.044849&hl=en]] 8 a.m. weekdays and practiced/researched for 1 to 2 hours. Currently our small group has disbanded and I would like to get it started again. I am looking for new participants. But thetime and place are not paramount and I am open to suggestions.

If you are intersted in training regularly whether you are a newbie or a 5th Dan, contact me at fick@fgm.com.

The Goal ?

The purpose of the Martial Arts Research Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas and applications. Read more about this goal.?

The Need ?

I would like to learn how to fight better but have found that it is very hard to learn the types of things that I want to learn and practice in a martial art school no matter what the style or however good the instructor is.

Schools are setup to have teacher/student relationships and they have a curriculum and an agenda. The agenda is usually one or more of: making money, spreading the tradition of a particular style or teaching a competitive sport. While this may teach you a about martial arts, sooner or later these agendas will get in the way of the search for effective techniques. The more experience you have, the sooner this will become obvious in any school.

I have plenty of knowledge and I do not want to be just another student, I want to question and debunk any technique which I feel is not effective. While I am open to and do learn from anyone not matter what their skill level, I do not want to accept as fact what an instructor is preaching, I want them to prove to me that they can use a technique against people other than his students, against beginners and against teachers from other schools!

I am not looking to get another black belt or become an instructor within an organization, I just want to learn more and get better! I want to practice what I think will work, not what is on someone else's curriculum. On occasion I want to test my skills by sparring without letting rules get in the way. I want to practice a technique until I feel like I actually understand it and could use it effectively. I want to practice with someone who is going to try to refute what I think works so that I don't delude myself.

I hope that this group could help make this a reality.

-Martin

Organizational Guidelines
Reference Library
Equipment

April 28, 2005, at 07:50 PM by Martin -

Changed lines 21-22 from:

HIEARCHY-FREE - Does not seek to establish a political hiearchy or a system of rank.

to:

HIERARCHY-FREE - Does not seek to establish a political hierarchy or a system of rank.

Changed lines 45-47 from:

The use of the term Martial Art in the goal above covers all forms of fighting, whether it be self defense, attack, warfare, law enforcement and even sport. Since this is an "all-encompassing" interpretation, it may cover more than what some people are used to. Conversely it is important to clarify your poisition if refering to a specific subset of the martial arts since others in the group may be talking about this all encompassing definition.

to:

The use of the term Martial Art in the goal above covers all forms of fighting, whether it be self defense, attack, warfare, law enforcement and even sport. Since this is an "all-encompassing" interpretation, it may cover more than what some people are used to. Conversely it is important to clarify your poisition if referring to a specific subset of the martial arts since others in the group may be talking about this all encompassing definition.

Changed lines 57-59 from:

Health may be of interest to the group, but not from a perspective of researching health specific applications. Health may be considered an important criteria when selecting techniques if for example one believes that practicing techniques for self defense which harm your body seems oxi-moronic.

to:

Health may be of interest to the group, but not from a perspective of researching health specific applications. Health may be considered an important criteria when selecting techniques if for example one believes that practicing techniques for self defense which harm your body seems oximoronic.

Changed lines 68-69 from:

This should always be kept in mind while discussing the value or effectiveness of a technique. Understanding and being able to demonstrate the usefullness, speed, power and other criteria of a technique in a repetitive manner is desired.

to:

This should always be kept in mind while discussing the value or effectiveness of a technique. Understanding and being able to demonstrate the usefulness, speed, power and other criteria of a technique in a repetitive manner is desired.

Changed lines 72-74 from:

Avoid doctrine or stylistic based arguments when discussing the effectiveness of a technique. Since the goal is to research scientifically, it is probably counteractive to assert that a technique is good simply because someone (such as your teacher) asserted that it was good. Techniques should be judged by merit. Try to prove its effectiveness through phsyics, not verbal affirmation. I am reminded of this constantly when I believe something should be effective but I can't quite show it. I am gratefull if I am not allowed to accept the validity of a technique or theory until I can demonstrate it repeatedly.

to:

Avoid doctrine or stylistic based arguments when discussing the effectiveness of a technique. Since the goal is to research scientifically, it is probably counteractive to assert that a technique is good simply because someone (such as your teacher) asserted that it was good. Techniques should be judged by merit. Try to prove its effectiveness through physics, not verbal affirmation. I am reminded of this constantly when I believe something should be effective but I can't quite show it. I am grateful if I am not allowed to accept the validity of a technique or theory until I can demonstrate it repeatedly.

Changed lines 81-95 from:

Hiearchy-Free

A group cannot be truly open unless it is hiearchy free. Almost every martial artist has been asked "what rank are you?" It seems almost unatural to imagine the martial arts without rank. Well, like religion, rank is another component of the martial arts that is more cultural than a neccessary component. And even then, rank as most people know it is mainly an American "innovation".

The Japanese martial arts probably intiated the use of rank in the martial arts due to the structured nature of their culture. This has lead to large martial organizations which are highly political in nature and rank seems almost to provide a "raison d'être" for many of these.

On the other hand the Americans have taken martial art's rank to the extreme to which Americans are best, the commercial extreme. :) Ranks is a means for many schools to justify extra costs. Every "bar" on every colored belt is an additional fee. Rank keeps students coming back for more. It is amazing how people will pay for aknowledgement.

Since the main purposes of rank seems to be political and diciplianry control (afterall, it is called rank) along with monetary extortion, it should be fairly evident why this is not very meaningfull to research. If you feel that rank helps you understand what knowledge someone has and how valid their opinions are (if only it were that easy), just try the alternate route of asking somone what they know. Ask them to explain why they do something. Ask them to demonstrate their theories. Theories can be discused, tested and debated, rank cannot.

to:

Hierarchy-Free

A group cannot be truly open unless it is hierarchy free. Almost every martial artist has been asked "what rank are you?" It seems almost unnatural to imagine the martial arts without rank. Well, like religion, rank is another component of the martial arts that is more cultural than a necessary component. And even then, rank as most people know it is mainly an American "innovation".

The Japanese martial arts probably initiated the use of rank in the martial arts due to the structured nature of their culture. This has lead to large martial organizations which are highly political in nature and rank seems almost to provide a "raison d'être" for many of these.

On the other hand the Americans have taken martial art's rank to the extreme to which Americans are best, the commercial extreme. :) Ranks is a means for many schools to justify extra costs. Every "bar" on every colored belt is an additional fee. Rank keeps students coming back for more. It is amazing how people will pay for acknowledgement.

Since the main purposes of rank seems to be political and disciplinary control (afterall, it is called rank) along with monetary extortion, it should be fairly evident why this is not very meaningfull to research. If you feel that rank helps you understand what knowledge someone has and how valid their opinions are (if only it were that easy), just try the alternate route of asking someone what they know. Ask them to explain why they do something. Ask them to demonstrate their theories. Theories can be discused, tested and debated, rank cannot.

Changed lines 102-104 from:

This is mostly likey not going to be a problem, but it could be of concern to some people and is neverthless and important component to effective research. Since this is a research group, ideas need to be exchanged and discussed freely. It is not possible to progress forward without the ability to investigate the past to see what has already been tried, it is not possible to confirm scientific theories without the ability to replicate and alter experiments. Martial arts knowledge is like physics and it would be a crime if someone could own a branch of science. This being said, it is helpful from an academic standpoint to point out resources and references when appropriate, for starters it helps to clarify the context of a position.

to:

This is mostly likely not going to be a problem, but it could be of concern to some people and is nevertheless and important component to effective research. Since this is a research group, ideas need to be exchanged and discussed freely. It is not possible to progress forward without the ability to investigate the past to see what has already been tried, it is not possible to confirm scientific theories without the ability to replicate and alter experiments. Martial arts knowledge is like physics and it would be a crime if someone could own a branch of science. This being said, it is helpful from an academic standpoint to point out resources and references when appropriate, for starters it helps to clarify the context of a position.

Changed lines 111-117 from:

It is important to realize that no style can control or limit the motion of the human body which follows the natural laws of physics and anatomy. Most styles have specific goals or philosophies which may limit their movement or techniques. Many styles and schools even have political and commercial goals which strongly influence their techniques and methods of practice. On the other hand no style exists in a vacum and even more important, no instructor exists in a vacum, therefor individuals may provide a limited or even an expanded view of a specific style. When discussing a style, try to distinguish your experience with the style from your experience with particular instructors and particular schools.

That being said, styles have martial value and most people in any martial arts group will have a stylistic background. Most of the material covered in training and research will come by way of someone's style. Therefor it is paramount for the group be open to invetigating techniques from any style, system or other fighting knowledge base.

to:

It is important to realize that no style can control or limit the motion of the human body which follows the natural laws of physics and anatomy. Most styles have specific goals or philosophies which may limit their movement or techniques. Many styles and schools even have political and commercial goals which strongly influence their techniques and methods of practice. On the other hand no style exists in a vacuum and even more important, no instructor exists in a vacuum, therefor individuals may provide a limited or even an expanded view of a specific style. When discussing a style, try to distinguish your experience with the style from your experience with particular instructors and particular schools.

That being said, styles have martial value and most people in any martial arts group will have a stylistic background. Most of the material covered in training and research will come by way of someone's style. Therefor it is paramount for the group be open to investigating techniques from any style, system or other fighting knowledge base.

Changed lines 121-125 from:

Many of the traditions practiced in eastern martial arts are actually religious rituals. An example is the clapping/bowing that many Aikido schools do at the begining and end of class. Most westerners just think that these are neat traditions and are a part of the martial art. While tolerance of other people's beliefs is important, a truly open group should not compel anyone to practice any religious rituals.

to:

Many of the traditions practiced in eastern martial arts are actually religious rituals. An example is the clapping/bowing that many Aikido schools do at the beginning and end of class. Most westerners just think that these are neat traditions and are a part of the martial art. While tolerance of other people's beliefs is important, a truly open group should not compel anyone to practice any religious rituals.

April 22, 2005, at 11:41 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 1-4 from:

Martial Arts Research Group

to:

(:title Martial Arts Research Group :)

Martial Arts Research Group

April 22, 2005, at 10:52 AM by Martin -

Changed lines 8-10 from:

The purpose of the Martial Arts Reasearch Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas and applications. To further define this, the following points clarify this broader goal:

to:

The purpose of the Martial Arts Research Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas and applications. To further define this, the following points clarify this broader goal:

Changed lines 18-19 from:

OPEN - To anyone with an honest interest in any martial art applictations research or training.

to:

OPEN - To anyone with an honest interest in any martial art applications research or training.

April 20, 2005, at 12:13 PM by Martin -

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Martial Arts Research Group

to:

Martial Arts Research Group

Changed lines 5-10 from:

Goal

The purpose of the Martial Arts Reasearch Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas and applications. To further define this, the following points reflect this broader goal:

to:

Goal

The purpose of the Martial Arts Reasearch Group is to foster a scientific research environment where members are free to formulate, test, exchange and practice martial arts ideas and applications. To further define this, the following points clarify this broader goal:

Changed lines 12-13 from:

APPLICATION FOCUSED - While interesting, researching philosophies or health and practicing discipline or cultural traditions are not goals of the group.

to:

APPLICATION FOCUSED - While interesting, researching philosophies or health and practicing discipline or cultural traditions are not goals of the group.

Changed lines 15-16 from:

SCIENTIFIC - Experimental in nature, looking for repeatable techniques and testable theories.

to:

SCIENTIFIC - Experimental in nature, looking for repeatable techniques and testable theories.

Changed lines 18-19 from:

OPEN - To anyone with an honest interest in any martial art applictations research or training.

to:

OPEN - To anyone with an honest interest in any martial art applictations research or training.

Changed lines 21-22 from:

HIEARCHY-FREE - Does not seek to establish a political hiearchy or a system of rank.

to:

HIEARCHY-FREE - Does not seek to establish a political hiearchy or a system of rank.

Changed lines 24-25 from:

NON-PROPRIETARY - Choose to share or not to share, but do not put any restrictions on what you share.

to:

NON-PROPRIETARY - Choose to share or not to share, but do not put any restrictions on what you share.

Changed lines 27-28 from:

NON-STYLISTIC - Will not discriminate against nor will it be constrained by any particular style or system.

to:

NON-STYLISTIC - Will not discriminate against nor will it be constrained by any particular style or system.

Changed lines 30-31 from:

NON-RELIGIOUS - While individuals may practice any form of religion from Christianity to the more traditional eastern marital art religions such as Shinto, Budism or Taoism, the group is not a forum for religious teaching or study.

to:

NON-RELIGIOUS - While individuals may practice any form of religion from Christianity to the more traditional eastern marital art religions such as Shinto, Budism or Taoism, the group is not a forum for religious teaching or study.

SAFE - Due to the destructive nature of martial arts techniques, it is particularly important to practice safely.

And now in greater detail:

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And now in greater detail:

to:

Changed lines 42-46 from:

Martial Art

to:

Martial Art

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Applications

to:

Applications

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Scientific

to:

Scientific

Changed lines 75-77 from:

Open

to:

Open

Changed lines 81-83 from:

Hiearchy-Free

to:

Hiearchy-Free

Changed lines 87-92 from:

The Japanese martial arts probably intiated the use of rank in the martial arts due to the structured nature of their culture. This has lead to large martial organizations which are highly political in nature and rank seems almost to provide a "rainson d'etre" for many of these.

On the other hand the Americans have taken martial art's rank to the extreme to which Americans are best, the commercial extreme. :) Ranks is a means for many schools to justify extra costs. Every "bar" on every colored belt is an additional fee. Rank keeps students coming back for more. It is amazing how we will pay for aknowledgement.

to:

The Japanese martial arts probably intiated the use of rank in the martial arts due to the structured nature of their culture. This has lead to large martial organizations which are highly political in nature and rank seems almost to provide a "raison d'être" for many of these.

On the other hand the Americans have taken martial art's rank to the extreme to which Americans are best, the commercial extreme. :) Ranks is a means for many schools to justify extra costs. Every "bar" on every colored belt is an additional fee. Rank keeps students coming back for more. It is amazing how people will pay for aknowledgement.

Changed lines 99-101 from:

Non-proprietary

to:

Non-proprietary

Changed lines 105-107 from:

Non-Stylistic

to:

Non-Stylistic

Changed lines 111-120 from:

It is important to realize that no style can control or limit the motion of the human body which follows the natural laws of physics and anatomy. Most styles have specific goals or philosophies which may limit their movement or techniques. Many styles and schools even have political and commercial goals which strongly influence their techniques and methods of practice. On the other hand no style exists in a vacum and even more important, no instructor exists in a vacum, therefor individuals may provide a limited or even an expanded view a specific style. When discussing a style, try to distinguish your experience with the style from your experience with particular instructors and particular schools.

That being said, styles have martial value and most people in any martial arts group will have a stylistic background. Most of the material covered in training and research will come by way of someone's style. Therefor it is paramount for the group be open to any style, system or other fighting knowledge base.

Non-Religious

to:

It is important to realize that no style can control or limit the motion of the human body which follows the natural laws of physics and anatomy. Most styles have specific goals or philosophies which may limit their movement or techniques. Many styles and schools even have political and commercial goals which strongly influence their techniques and methods of practice. On the other hand no style exists in a vacum and even more important, no instructor exists in a vacum, therefor individuals may provide a limited or even an expanded view of a specific style. When discussing a style, try to distinguish your experience with the style from your experience with particular instructors and particular schools.

That being said, styles have martial value and most people in any martial arts group will have a stylistic background. Most of the material covered in training and research will come by way of someone's style. Therefor it is paramount for the group be open to invetigating techniques from any style, system or other fighting knowledge base.

Non-Religious

April 19, 2005, at 03:30 PM by Martin -

Added lines 1-122: