HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: dbsbanka@solomon.technet.sg (Teo Pit Koon)
Subject: Is chi real?
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1993 17:42:57 GMT


Greetings and Peace :-)-

	I am new to this newsgroup, and I thought this question would be
a good one to start out with.

	Is chi/qi/ki real? My God, what a question! :-).

	If you live in this part of the world, which is in South-east
Asia, you would have no doubt that "chi" is real. It is an intricate
part of the culture of the Chinese people. In fact, if you ever have
a chance to visit China, Taiwan or even Hongkong, you would see plenty of
evidence of "chi" in display in open parks, gymnasiums and pugilistic
centres, not to mention the countless number of books on this subject 
found in any major book shop.

	I used to practise "chi kung" for a while, when I was young, too.
I recall a documentary I have seen, in which the Master of Xing Yi pai 
kung fu based in Taipei, Taiwan, a rotund man of advanced age, demonstrate
his skill. He had one of his students give him a punch in his fat "beer"
belly and the strength of that punch was being diverted through the use
of "chi" to send him literally flying in the opposite direction. The
force of that rebounce was so great that another team of students had
to line up and halt the student on the momentum generated! Elsewhere in
the "Tai Chi" school, a recent grand master from China who passed away
was also skilled in using "chi". Countless other stunts, such as poking
a spear to the throat and bending it, having the rear wheel of a car
run over the stomach of a reclining M artist, etc. etc. The stories and
demonstrations are endless.

	In China, they made it a serious art and science as well, using
various modern medical equipments to measure the body's performance of a
"chi " practitioner, and its curative properties in healing certain types
of slow running diseases, such as high-blood pressure etc. In fact, the
Chinese athletics team sent for overseas international competition were
said to be trained in the use of "chi" to enable them to reach out for
that extra energy in their medal winning efforts.

	I understand in various forms of Eastern martial arts, such as
TKD, Karate etc, in the higher belts, perhaps black belt 1st dan onwards,
the masters need to use "Chi" to gain the extra amount of energy and strength
for performing at the next higher level.

	Whatever the more scientifically inclined and technologically
advanced Western nations may think about the concept of "chi", it is a "real"
thing indeed in the lives of the Asian people, much like fast cars, or
hamburgers are "real" concepts in the West.

The star gazer ***
CC
===============================================================================
****  **** *   * ****   *   * *  ***  *    ****   *   *
*  ** *  * * * * *  **    *   *  *** ***   *     ***  *   <-- Happy Stellar
****  **** *  ** ****   *   * *  *  *   *  **** *   * *       Lunar New Year
==============================================================================
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
From: reid@metis.tti.com (Reid Kneeland)
Subject: Re: SEALs
Organization: Transaction Technology Inc.
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 17:58:51 GMT

In article <2766@eagle.ukc.ac.uk> kwp@ukc.ac.uk (K.W.Pang) writes:
>I think the HK police's action are justified. Their
>and other people's lives are at stake and although this was an unfortunate incident
>the apprenhension of such criminals is of utmost importance.

This is about to erupt into a political flame-fest, on the age-old
topic of individual rights vs. public good.  I humbly suggest that a 
better forum would be talk.politics.misc.

=====================================================================
Reid Kneeland
reid@tti.com
Transaction Technology Inc., Santa Monica, CA, USA (310) 450-9111 x2499
The opinions expressed above do not necessarily etc etc...

Never trust a man who can count to 1,023 on his fingers.
From: birmingh@fnalo.fnal.gov (Phillip J. Birmingham)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: Hung Gar in Boston?
Date: 26 Jan 93 18:47:50 -0600
Organization: Deep Thirteen
NNTP-Posting-Host: fnalo.fnal.gov

In article <1993Jan26.184706.23383@exu.ericsson.se>, exudms@exu.ericsson.se (New Dave) writes:
> Any Hung Gar still in the Boston area?

         This isn't a fish pun, is it?

-- 
 Phillip J. Birmingham   birmingh@fnal.fnal.gov  
 I don't speak for Fermilab, although my mouth is probably big enough...
From: stave@apollo.hp.com (Joel H. Stave)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: Greenoch History
Date: 26 Jan 93 15:58:55 GMT
Article-I.D.: apollo.C1Gxq7.226
Reply-To: stave@apollo.hp.com
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Apollo Division - Chelmsford, MA

In article <C1FzDH.FGE@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>,
shulick@cineret.ucs.indiana.edu (Sam Hulick) writes:
|> In article <1993Jan26.001502.3882@craycos.com>, sog@craycos.com
(Steve Gombosi) says most sayishly:
|> >In article <C1Dy8M.3Mr@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>
shulick@cineret.ucs.indiana.edu (Sam Hulick) writes:
|> >>
|> >>Seriously.. what *IS* Greenoch?
|> >>
|> >
|> >Seriously, Greenoch is the second-best martial art in the whole, damned
|> >world...
|> 
|> Yes! :)  So what's THE best martial art in the whole, damned world?
|> 
|
*MY* martial art.

Joel Stave
stave@apollo.hp.com
From: shulick@cineret.ucs.indiana.edu (Sam Hulick)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Hapkido is getting better
Date: 27 Jan 93 21:25:24 GMT
Reply-To: shulick@cineret.ucs.indiana.edu
Organization: Vallen Software
Originator: shulick@cineret


We learn a lot in one session (50 minutes).  Today we learned high
block, knife hand, tiger mouth, tiger claw, and block/counter-attack.  I
have problems with the block/counter-attack, though.  After the enemy
throws a punch, I can mid-block it or touch-block it to one side, but it
takes too much time for me to move in for a strike.  Any tips? This is
if the enemy is just doing a stationary punch.  Now if they do a moving
punch, then I can block, then easily strike to the ribs, kidney, face, etc.
BTW, what's the use of tiger mouth, when you can just punch the throat?
Why use the tiger mouth instead of a normal strike?

On a side note..  to you fellow IU'ers: What do you think of Jeff Boyd?

-- 
    // Amiga 3000   ___ \ Sam Hulick: shulick@indiana.edu (NeXTmail OK!)
   // 68030 25 MHz /__/\ \  )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
\\// OS 2.04       \__\/ / (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
 \/                     /   )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
From: ALI00BAW@UNCCVM.UNCC.EDU
Subject: Re: Is chi real?
Organization: UNC Charlotte
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 02:52:28 GMT

"What is REAL," asked the Rabbit one day.
 
        from "The Velveteen Rabbit," a children's classic.  If you did not read
it when you were young--or even if you did--read it NOW to your child; if you
haven't a child the right age, read it to a nephew/niece or to a neighbor's
or friend's child.  I've seen big, tough Black Belt types reduced to tears.
 
Back to the original point about Chi/Ki: do Asian Christians use this term
for the Holy Spirit?
 
 
 
Another Rust-Belt Yankee Exile in Charlotte!
 
Any opinions expressed are mine, not those of the Atkins Library.
 
Bruce Alan Wilson ali00baw@unccvm.uncc.edu
From: azw@aber.ac.uk (Andrew Michael Woodward)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: Fights and blackbelt confidence
Date: 26 Jan 93 17:22:47 GMT
Organization: University of Wales, Aberystwyth

>This is why I make it a point to myself never to be "obtrusive" until
>I'm at least a 3rd gup.  By obtrusive, I mean if someone says something
>
>While we're on the topic, I know blackbelts aren't invincible or
>anything, but I think it's a confidence thing.  I know that, personally,
>after I had gone through years of training and had become a blackbelt,
>I'd feel pretty good about myself and sure as hell wouldn't hesitate to
>talk back to someone who was giving me a hard time.  Now I'm just a
>white belt, and when someone starts hassling me, I remain unobtrusive
>and just take it, which I don't really like doing.

So, what's wrong with taking it? Let the other guy get the ulcer. If folk
can wind you up with mere words, then your ego is not under full control.
There is no justification for fighting strangers. You have no idea of their
ability or training. No matter how good you are, there is someone better.
With the correct degree of deference, grovelling and general appearance of
abject terror, you can usually defuse any situation. No-one has become
damaged, especially not you, and you can feel smug in the knowledge that
you could not only take the guy, but you can also outwit him.

>  As our instructor said, avoid a fight at all costs, but if
>you have to fight, do what you must.  I don't think I'd be egging him
>on, but if someone started making rude comments about my best friend,
>I'm not going to sit there and not say anything (as I do now. me wimp!
>:).  Any one else feel this way?

NO, I dont. Someone good once said to me that violence is something to be 
avoided at all costs and excelled at if unavoidable. Being rude to your 
freind is NOT an irrevocable situation. Having said that, if I am out with a 
girl, I feel it my responsibility to ensure her safety. I do not however see
it as my responsibility to insure her ego or her view of my machismo.

Study cats. Cats are very wise in all things - like doing nothing if at all
possible, and preferably in a warm place! They have reaxation and muscle 
tension down to a fine art, as they do combat strategy. A cat will always
run if possible, but if cornered, will give it everything they've got.

You cannot be cornered by words.

So what's wrong with being a wimp? I am very proud of my wimphood. It is
fighting talk to impune it. Choose yer window, sunbeam :)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
From: osan@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (Mr. X)
Subject: Re: Happenstance Weapons
Organization: Twilight Zone
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 19:11:40 GMT

In article <1993Jan24.211120.6771@desire.wright.edu> jchristian@desire.wright.edu writes:
> 
>
>A few years ago I experiemented with sharpening my pinkie nails.  

	HA!  AMATEUR!  When I was 16 I cut the ends of my left index and middle
	fingers off.  WHAT weapons they are now!!  Though I have yet to do
	it, I believe my little stumps will blast eyeballs right out of their
	sockets.  I have tried suki (shuto??) type strikes on partners.  Even
	though I did so very gently, they all declined to allow me to try a
	second time.  They really do hurt when jabbed into flesh.  I believe
	they could break bone, e.g. ribs, if applied efficiently.

	-Andy V.

Organization: Sponsored account, Accounts, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 12:32:56 -0500 
From: Stephen_Y._Chan@transarc.com
Subject: Re: SEALs

osan@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (Mr. X) writes:
> In article <2820@eagle.ukc.ac.uk> kwp@ukc.ac.uk (K.W.Pang) writes:
> >I think you don't realise the gravity of the situation in HK.
>	[snip]
>         Is this what you would like
>         to see?  Are people becomming such extreme cowards that they would
>         sacrifice their freedom that they might have some vague illusion of
>         safety, supplied TO them by third party agents?

	Hmmm...maybe in some parts of the world, peace and stability
are more popular than risk and "freedom". Lots of folks in HK would
rather just pay the extortion, and live under criminal rule than
cooperate with the authorities and get killed.
	So I guess, yes, those people are cowards who prefer peace and
stability to a precarious and short-lived freedom.

>	I strongly suspect that
>         death would be a far more appetizing alternative.

	Personal preference.

	Stephen
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
From: cs911146@ariel.yorku.ca (JEFF HUM)
Subject: Re: Brandon Lee Movies
Organization: SB
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 00:23:37 GMT

I noticed that people have failed to mention "Legacy Of Rage"
There's a fight between Brandon and 'BOLO'.  However, the movie
sucks, as does his other movies including Rapid Fire.  

As for Jackie Chan, his recent movies aren't that great either.  He 
focuses more on comedy and acrobatic stunts.  A memorable movie by
JC is "Dragons Forever", directed and choregraphed by Samo Hung.

Anyone like the new "Wong Fei Hung" (Once Upon A Time In China) series
by Jet Lee?
From: Stephen_Y._Chan@transarc.com
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: Is chi/ ki real?
Date: 26 Jan 93 18:39:57 GMT
	<28626@dog.ee.lbl.gov>
Organization: Sponsored account, Accounts, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA

twcaps@tennyson.lbl.gov (Terry Chan) writes:
> dcthomas@.vnet.ibm.com (Dave Thomas) writes:
>   +
>   +I'm not sure where this thread is going, but I think you guys are
>   +up in the clouds a little. Ki exists in all of us. We don't have to
>   +lift houses or make chickens implode with our ki to prove its existence.
>   +Us normal grunts can use it in everyday life. Any decent martial arts
>   +training should provide a glimpse (albeit fleeting at times).
> 
> Nothing personal, I think people would argue that you are up
> in the clouds a little for believing in chi on the basis
> that you do.  Aside from subjective impressions, I don't see
> how you can say that "Ki exists in all of us."  Given that,
> and the unlikelihood of the net (or perhaps anyone) being able
> to come up with a scientific basis/proof for chi, I find it
> interesting to examine those that would claim to approach it
> that way.

	Well, if we go by the "qi is the animating force of life"
definition that gets thrown out every now and then, then by
definition, everyone uses qi. Just like you don't have to believe in
hemoglobin for your body to use it.
	In any case, I get the tinglies, hands drifting in invisible
currents, and other people have (on occasion) told me they can feel my qi
projection, blah blah blah...
	But is it real, or virtual? I don't have an answer, but I have
a different question: Does it really make a difference?

	Stephen
From: wag5@quads.uchicago.edu (john peter wagner)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: Fighting against animals?
Date: 27 Jan 93 23:09:46 GMT
Reply-To: wag5@midway.uchicago.edu
Organization: University of Chicago

In article <11846@sun13.scri.fsu.edu> poore@dirac.scri.fsu.edu (David Poore) writes:
>In article <1993Jan26.161643.24131@midway.uchicago.edu> wag5@midway.uchicago.edu writes:
>>	If you fight a single dog just kick it in the head or whatever.
>
>Right. Let's try this on Mr. 110 Pound Rotweiller, K?
>
>David Poore
>poore@dirac.scri.fsu.edu
>

	Please note the 'whatever'.  Improvisation based upon the given  
scenario is far superior than relying on fixed technique.  A 110 lb
Rottweiler might require some other method. User your brain. That's 
why God gave it to you.

			John
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
From: tac@cs.brown.edu (Ted A. Camus)
Subject: Re: Fights and blackbelt confidence
Organization: Brown University Department of Computer Science
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1993 20:35:39 GMT



sog@craycos.com (Steve Gombosi) writes:

> It's just your lizard brain acting up - 
> part of the price we pay for having glands. 


  I'd like to comment some further on this point.  

  There is one benefit of martial arts training that is often overlooked,
  and that is the removal of fear.  By "fear" I don't mean merely the
  fear of being harmed physically, although that's part of it.  Whenever
  an organism feels threatened, it's natural defenses act up in response:
  adrenalin rush, etc.  Normally, in the "jungle", this is a Good Thing.
  In a modern "civilized" setting, it often just gets in the way. 
  This is because there are other forms of threats which are not physical,
  such the a threat to one's ego.  Unfortunately, our bodies are not
  always able to distinguish between these two types of threats, and one's
  defensive reactions are evoked anyway.  So, as an example, you may be
  losing an argument, feel your credibility threatened and start to raise
  your voice, get excited, and not be able to think clearly.  

  Martial arts training helps one to eliminate this reaction; by 
  eliminating the base fear of physical harm, this defensive reaction is 
  no longer necessary in most circumstances.  Other fears, such as fear
  of being alone, the fear of the unknown, and the fear of the uncertain 
  future, are similarly reduced.  The potential benefits are incalculable.  
  Trust me -- 

      -- Ted --


   p.s. I'd recommend to Sam that he watch - what else - the old  
        "Kung Fu" reruns.  Qwai Chang had a very good attitude, and 
        only used his ability when needed, even when some people might 
        have otherwise "deserved it" --

==========================================================
  Ted Camus                          Box 1910 CS Dept 
  tac@cs.brown.edu                   Brown University
  tac@browncs.BITNET                 Providence, RI 02912
From: tms@cs.umd.edu (Tom Swiss (not Swift, not Suiss, Swiss!))
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: Happenstance Weapons
Date: 25 Jan 93 18:32:54 GMT
Organization: The Reality Liberation Front (pixels to the people!)

azw@aber.ac.uk (Andrew Michael Woodward) writes:
>
>There is no such thing as unarmed combat. If you cant improvise a weapon, you
>are overlooking something 

     You can always make improvised weapons from your hands and feet, elbows
and knees.

>(If anyone has a direct use for a postage stamp, 
>you are better at this game than me.)

     Glue a pair of them over someone's eyes?

===============================================================================
Tom Swiss/tms@cs.umd.edu  |  "Born to die"   |   Keep your laws off my brain!
     "What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?" - Nick Lowe 
                     Keep your values off my family.
      "It's not by amusing oneself that one learns."
       -- Anatole France
      "It's only by amusing oneself that one can learn."
       -- Edward Kasner and James R. Newman
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
From: d90eridy@odalix.ida.liu.se (Erik Dyrelius)
Subject: Re: difference between quarterstaff and jo?
Organization: CIS Dept, Univ of Linkoping, Sweden
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1993 10:05:28 GMT

gamiddle@math.uwaterloo.ca (Guy Middleton) writes:

>In article <1993Jan21.162043.6032@cs.brown.edu> tac@cs.brown.edu (Ted A. Camus) writes:
>And the jo I was originally asking about (our "daijo") is 5'6" long.
>We also have a shorter "shojo", at 4'0".  I don't know why they are those
>particular lengths.

Well, I can only speak for the jo used in jodo, since that is what I've been
training (although only a few times). In training we used it in kata against
bokto and it was mostly an introduction/orientation to jodo. It is a very
dynamic weapon and I would love to train a little but unfortunatly there
seems to be an acute shortage of senseis (at least in Sweden :-)).

	/Erik
--
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
| dyrelius@robin.lysator.liu.se            (d90eridy@und.ida.liu.se) |
|                                                                    |
|   Listen to me just hear me out, if I could have your attention;   |
|            just quieten down for a voice in the crowd.             |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
From: david@xlnt.com (David Johnson)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: Kung Fu (the TV show)
Date: 21 Jan 93 17:31:01 GMT
Organization: XLNT Designs, Inc (XDI)

There have been plenty of negative criticisms of the show posted.  Most if
not concerned the martial arts.  I will say this in defense of the show,
for the first two seasons it was a very well written and
executed show which addressed
many social issues without being preachy.  It was one of the best shows
on the air at the time.  In the last season it concentrated
on a lot of magic and other mystical things and really went down the tubes.

I still enjoy watching old repeats of the first two seasons.  The martial
arts were not very good but it was good as a TV show.  I liked the show
so much when it was first run that I could not wait for a week to go
by so I could watch the next episode.

-- 
David Johnson
XLNT Designs, Inc. (XDI)
david@xlnt.com
From: garry@alice.att.com (garry hodgson)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: SEALs
Date: 21 Jan 93 18:19:09 GMT
Reply-To: garry@alice.UUCP ()
Organization: AT&T, Bell Labs

K.W.Pang writes:

   This reminds me of a true story told by my friend.

   There was apparently a raid on a flat in Hong Kong by the HK police
   ( Flying Tiger Squad).  On one floor lived a family and above them
   was some Mainland China criminals. The police got a tip off and
   decided to raid the place. 

   The FTS went into the building and apprended the crminals but
   without first beating up the men folk in the floor below. They
   weren't actually sure if the floor below were just innocent
   bystanders, so they kind of "Kick their ass, ask questions later"...

   The man who was assualted by the FTS wanted to sue the HK police
   but nothing ever came of it. 

   Considering the HK criminals now have weaponary such as AK-47
   and grenades with a willingness to kill and injure, I think the
   HK police's action are justified.

Bullshit.  State terrorism is never justified.

   Their and other people's lives
   are at stake and although this was an unfortunate incident the
   apprenhension of such criminals is of utmost importance.

No.  The preservation of liberty is of utmost importance.
Long after these victims or criminals are gone, your kids and
grandkids will be dealing with the results of what we do to our
constitution (what's left of it).

-- 
Garry Hodgson			A slow winter day
AT&T Bell Labs			A night like forever
garry@alice.att.com		Sink like a stone
att!alice!garry			Float like a feather
Organization: Masters student, Information Networking Institute, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1993 12:50:18 -0500 
From: Edward Liu <el24+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: MARTIAL FARTS!?
	<1993Jan20.222806.249@unislc.uucp>

Below is something from my personal archives of r.m-a.  Related to martial
farts is the deadly "flying ass" technique.  The technique is essentially a
jump spinning back kick without the kick.  We discovered the technique when a
friend tried to do the kick, screwed up in the middle, and decided not to do
the kick -- he actually got pretty good at it.  So, if you could get your
head-level flying ass techinque down, letting a good martial-fart kiai/kihap go
at the point of impact, I think you'd have something there...:-).

-- Ed
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------*
Article: 1708 of rec.martial-arts
From: acevedo@w20-575-102.athena.mit.edu (Gabriel)
Subject: Re: Embarassing moments in practice
Date: 28 Sep 90 19:33:13 GMT

Someone already mentioned farting in class ... I'll mention this story,
which I didn't witness myself, but have heard before about a former
instructor at my TKD club ...

The instructor was demonstrating a jumping round house kick to one of
the students. He takes one particular student aside who is having
problems with it, and says "Now watch what I do VERY carefully, and do
EXACTLY what I do." The student bows in deep understanding. 

The instructor goes into a fighting stance, looking deadly serious; then
takes a step, jumps, farts, and throws the jump round house kick. The
class is silent. 

The instructor goes to the student. "Now, your turn."

The student looks the instructor in the eye, and with all due respect and
humility, asks: "Do I have to do the fart, sir?"

--
Raul
From: acharya@HYDRA.ROSE-HULMAN.EDU
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: I don't know.
Date: 26 Jan 93 16:38:17 GMT
Article-I.D.: master.1k3pdpINNb0t
Reply-To: acharya@HYDRA.ROSE-HULMAN.EDU
Organization: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
NNTP-Posting-Host: hydra.rose-hulman.edu

dsmythe@netcom.com (Dave Smythe):

Did anyone happen to save a summary of one of the last few flamewars on
this topic?  Holy mackerel!  Let's not flounder into this one again.
Ignoring it would be the bass option.  I'll resume my perch, now...

	just when you thought it safe to go back into the water, 
	crabby dave decides to poisson it....
	
	i shouldn't have posted this, but i do like to balance the scales...


	-mukund