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Messages - Blackwolf_101

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Woof Gentlemen,

It's been a while since I've posted, and i've Missed this Little Piece of Kali heaven :), I am still Looking to get something going in the way of a training group here in The Nebraska/SD area, right now There isn't much happening other than small time MMA circuits fights. I would Love to add the DBMA curriculum to my training so if there is anyone in the area that is interested please get a hold of me at richartichoker@gmail.com or at my website blackwolfma.com.

P.S. i just re-read your "whats in rapid City" comment Guru Crafty had to chuckle again :), I am Going to have to find a way to get you out here by hook or crook and show you Myself what's out here i think you'll be pleasantly surprised, :)

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Woof Gentlemen,

I am In Valentine NE just 3 and 1/2 hours from Rapid City.

To answer your question about whats In Rapid City Guru Crafty, well It sits at the Foot of the Black hills a Very picturesque area. Its a nice sized community of about 190 thousand people. the world famous sturgis motorcycle Rally happens just 25 miles away every august.  if you are into western activities like Rodeo or horse riding and things Like that there's plenty of working ranches and horse people in the area. there's some decent mountain biking and Skiing in the area, lots of hiking Camping Fishing and Hunting opportunities if you like that sort of thing. it's also the only real place in western South Dakota nurturing a growing MMA community.

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: VIDEO CLIPS OF INTEREST
« on: June 07, 2009, 04:31:28 PM »
woof,

i wrote a comment on the hatian bolo fighting video and the owner of the Vid commented back explaining why the alive hand is held in that manner. check it out.

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: FOR SALE
« on: May 06, 2009, 09:29:38 PM »
LOL

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: MMA Thread
« on: April 07, 2009, 05:04:38 AM »
I like Frank, he has a Lot of skill and on paper should be able to pull this one out. Hopefully he learned from the the Cung Le  fight to not let his ego get the better of him and try and fight the other guys fight. i also Like Nick though Its a hard fight for me to pick but I think you are Right. If it goes to the ground Nick May have the advantage  if they keep it standing frank may be able to pull it off.

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Dog Brothers.....The Stick....and The Fox
« on: March 29, 2009, 05:22:37 AM »
Woof everyone,

To respond to Chad's comment;

you are right as well my friend, There is that element of, you live by my will alone in the application of counting coup. The act itself implies that very statement. it allows the warrior who performed the task to demonstrate his skill and bravery and to not have to take the life of his opponent/enemy.  In the Lakota culture all life is valued as it is in many cultures. when we talk about other people and even animals we use the term "Oyate" which means family we say the Tatanka oyate meaning the buffalo familyor the buffalo nation. we think of everything as being related because we all walk on this earth and must therefore share it.  So to a warrior counting Coup it meant he did not have to take that life because killing for any other purpose than for food was considered damaging to the circle of life that all things are part of. Often times when a war party came back from battle those that had taken a life wore black on their faces they would do this to hide their faces from "wakan tanka" the creator force and they would wear black until they had been through a ritual cleansing.  even with all this concern for life however, war is war and bravado and displays of skill in battle and bravery were important as well.  Like i have said before you don't get to be known as the baddest Mofo's on the plains without the skill to strike fear into your opponents.  another thing the Tohkala would do to demonstrate their bravery was to stake themselves out in battle a warrior would ride out into the middle of the battle field, and pound  stake into the ground. He would be lashed to the stake by a strong sinew rope. he would then stay there and fight until one of three things happened 1) he died 2) enemy were all killed or run off  3) another Tohkala  came and pulled his stake out freeing him to move about the battle field.

Imagine trying to fight at a gathering with your ankle lashed to a pole in the center of the fighting area with bout five feet of play in the rope. makes things a bit more exciting doesn't it? hehe

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: VIDEO CLIPS OF INTEREST
« on: March 28, 2009, 11:17:46 AM »
Very Cool :) :)

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Unarmed Knife Defense
« on: March 25, 2009, 10:33:27 AM »
the two video links at the start of the threrad apear to no longer be available :(

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: The Physics of a stick strike
« on: March 24, 2009, 08:00:11 PM »
Woof Crafty

I think the appropriate way to approach this from a scientific angle would be to determine The impact pressure in #/square inch.  the power formula looks like this

Power = Velocity x impetus or driving force.

you could have someone demonstrate the power of a stick strike On a heavy bag with some kind of Force plate which demonstrates the power in pounds or kilos or whatever and then  use either a radar gun or one of those machines that measures the velocity of arrows or paintballs to measure the speed of the swing -sorry i forgot what that machine is called...  :oops:

I saw a clip from a british series on you tube a while back where the host used a baton to crack open a coconut with a #2 strike. he stated that the thickness of the coconut was comparable to the thickness of a human skull. i was searching for that clip to  post a link to it in this reply but i think it has been deleted because I can no longer find it.  i am not sure of the power needed in pounds per square inch in order crack a human skull but I am sure that is can probably be replicated By a well targeted strike  with the end of a hard heavy stick.

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: March 24, 2009, 05:53:00 AM »
 :lol:

Here are the muscles with tendonous attachments to the scapula/shoulder blade



1)superspinatus
2)infraspinatus
3)subscapularus
4)teres minor
5) teres major
6) deltoids
7) Triceps
8)bicepis brachii
9) latisimus dorsi
10) Rhomboids major
11) omo Hyoid
12) seratus anterior
13) Pectoralis Minor
14) levator scapula
15)trapezius
16) corocobrachialis
17)rhomboids minor

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: March 23, 2009, 03:24:24 PM »
Pop Quiz !!

Can anyone name all 17 muscles that attach to the scapula??

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Team Dog Brothers MMA?
« on: March 22, 2009, 12:33:11 PM »
Ok, to hopefully get things Back on the thread ... oops....sorry,  what progression of DBMA material would be recommended to start utilizing kali in the cage. i have seen discussions on other boards related to this topic with people who "supposedly"  have MMA experience and expertise stating that JKD and Kali will never work In the cage which is interesting to me because when i watch the UFC in particular i see a lot of Fighters all with the exact same set of skills like they have all been turned out on an assembly line and then you Get someone Like Machida or Kung lee who break the mold and still have success yet the "experts" still still say, say MMA is just defined By certain technical parameters. T me, I see an opening for someone who thinks outside the Box to begin training a dynasty of fighters That can move differently and strike more effectively both from the standing and the ground position. 

one Thing i have always wondered about is  trapping hands, why aren't fighters in MMA using more Trapping hands, the gloves are designed to allow such attachments?

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: March 21, 2009, 08:31:02 PM »
Nice! :)

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: March 21, 2009, 12:05:25 PM »
Quote
Thanks BW.

I guess I just assumed everyone here works out already and is fairly functional.

Not sure if this was mentioned, but flexibility before strength is often sound advice, Blackwolf101 do you have any thoughts on this?

Considering we are stick swingers I am going to go out on a limb here and say shoulder stability is a huge priority. So a few times a week of W/T/ aor Y would go a long way.

You are Right on the Money Peregrine, shoulder stability is important, as well as flexibility.  remember that the aim of creating correct postural alignment is to balance the system. The system in question could be the lumbo/pelvic/femoral complex or it could be the shoulder/scapula/thoracic chest wall system. we want to create zero Net force across the joint in question or at least as close to that as we can get,  and a lot of people don't realize that flexibility is part of the equation. i like to work on flexibility and strength side by side i recommend this format:

-warm up with light movements similar to those that you will be doing in the actual athletic activity-

-Then stretch  performing whatever routine you like but try and get all the major muscle groups-

-perform your technical material next  whatever that is, it may be sumbrada drills or sinawalli drill or numerado or light sparring ect... whatever you want that might be considered technical work and requires neuro-motor training-

-Then perform your strength or cardio routine next-

-warm down including a final stretch-

organizing your workouts this way allows you to warm up and stretch adequately to make sure that the muscles  and neuro receptors in the joints and muscle tendons are ready to go! it also allows you to work on high level skills before fatigue begins to be a factor.
 

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: March 21, 2009, 06:52:11 AM »
Woof

Sorry for the many Typos i had  in my last post, it was early  didn't have my tea yet yet  :-o lol.

If you guys get the chance, everyone should read the article That Peregrine posted a Link to Ron is the master of Pelvic stability i would recommend starting with the activities I have just outlined and progressing from their as yu become more aware o the muscles that stabilize your pelvis.

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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: March 21, 2009, 06:38:21 AM »
Woof Guys,

In Response to Peregrine's question, i apologize I didn't get back to this sooner, the weekend is always just the best time for me to write.


   Yes, while those exercises are Good ones for core stability in general. i still feel it is important to start more simply, Even though Ron Hruska wrote the article you posted I think He was writing for other therapists who have had some experience with the Myokinematics system and have had some questions regarding how to progress  patient beyond the basics. IMHO, To start with some of the exercises you had mentioned would be  little like showing up for the first day of Kali class and the instructor saying, " ok, were going to start with a variety of sinawali activities today".  When i Took Ron's course he stated that the Girls he works with in his capacity as Strength and conditioning coach at the University of Nebraska women's Volleyball team, that his girls don't progress to "Closed Chain" (standing or any activity in weight bearing position), until they can demonstrate ability to perform certain strength tests.  Just Like any methodology there is a progression of activity to The PRI method requires that you spend some time strengthening these specific Muscles groups before attemting to integrate functional movement pasterns into your routine.

here is a list of Exercises  instruct people in to get started:


                   1)      Supine 90/90 Position (on your back with feet on wall) Hip Lift.  i think the name throws people off on this one, i see people in the clinic performing bridges constantly and it is actually meant to be a posterior pelvic tilt for the purpose of creating lower lumbar flexion and activation of The hamstrings, and only the hamstrings, in order to create lower lumbar flexion. once A patient has the hang of this one I will sometimes encourage them to, " pull your belly button toward your spine" in order to engage the transverse abdominals but i always make sure they start with just a simple PPT (posterior Pelvic tilt) I always encourage Diaphragmatic breathing during all exercises.

                   2) Either supine 90/90 or sidelying 90/90 right Hip shift with right Hip external rotation vs. theraband if the patients tolerance will allow. This is isolate and engage the Glute max the sidelying position is my preference for this exercise because you are adding the effects of gravity to increase the difficulty. In The Clinic we often start with only the Right glutes and this is only because in a pathological/symptomatic patient often displays the hallmark weaknesses of the Left AIC Pattern which are as follows: weak Right glute, weak Left hamstring and weak Left IC adductor.  for your average person i would recommend you start focusing on the right glute max utilizing a moderate resistance exercise band and progress to doing the exercise bilaterally upon progressing to the next level of exercise band  The reason we just start focusing on Right Glute max is that Ron has seen enough patients in his career and done enough research to feel it is safe to assume that most ,if not all of us, have some degree of the Left AIC Patterned alignment dysfunction at work.  The Hip shift part of this exercise is performed in the following manner, you Lay on your Left side with the knees together and hips and knees bent to somewhere between 60 and 90 degrees, its a comfort issue but you may have to adjust leg position in order to perform the exercise correctly. You may place a folded towel between your knees for comfort. you would then place an exercise band around your legs just above the knees. you will have your left foot pressing into the wall to anchor, the right foot less so because it must pivot. you begin by shifting your right thigh and hip forward until you feel the adductors in your left thigh  grab. You may also feel a stretch in the posterior part of your left Hip. You Then externally rotate your right hip or in other words raise the right knee toward the ceiling being very carefull to maintain the right pelvis in a forward rotated position and as well as maintain the sensation that the left adductors are biting you just a little bit. It is very important to keep the back flat and  right hip rotated forward during this exercise.  Hold This position and Breath five big breaths, inhaling through the nose and Sighing the air out through the mouth. you will perform 5 -7 reps of this exercise and believe me, if you are doing it right this will be enough. Patients in the clinic often ask me "How do I know if  am doing this exercise correctly?"   tell them if you feel any muscles other than the left adductors and the right glutes working then you are doing it incorrectly. Common mistakes include:  using the toes on the right foot to push into the wall engaging both the right calf muscles and the right hamstrings, allowing the right hip to roll back upon externally rotating due to glute weakness and habitual over usage of the lumbar paraspinals , pushing the hips back with the left hip engaging the left glutes and hamstrings. these substitutions are common and i end up correcting these three mistakes the most often.


         3) Supine 90/90 Hip Lift with Left hip shift (Down) For This exercise you start in the same position as you do for the initial exercise i listed above. The only difference here is that we will be using a small ball (4-6) inches between the knees.  once up in the exercise position with the pelvis posteriorly rotated, you then will drop the left hip down making sure to keep the right thigh pointed straight at the ceiling. this will look as if you left thigh suddenly became shorter. how far you can or will drop your lef hip will depend on how much play you have in your left hip joint capsule. Here the goal is again to engage the Left IC adductor so you will hopefully be able to drop the left hip down far enough to feel that muscle engage and Bite a little bit. Ok ,you should now be in supine 90/90 position with your feet on a wall and with your pelvis slight lifted and in a  posterior tilt. you should also have the left hip dropped down enough to feel the Left IC adductor biting at you right in the left groin area. You Now squeeze inward with the left knee and only the left knee to create a maximal Adductor contraction.  with this exercise you will also be engaging your hamstrings so you should be feeling a strong hamstring contraction as well as maximal adductor contraction. to progress this activity you can perform a hemi-bridge by simply lifting your Right foot off the wall, this will allow you to create a maximal hamstring contraction on the left as well as maximal IC adductor contraction.
 
 have progressed this exercise in my own routine to utilize bilateral hipshifts and hemi bridges in order to alternately strengthen right and left hamstrings/adductors  feel this has helped improve my BJJ Gaurd immensely. Just ordered a new video camera and it should be here next week  I will post video of me performing this exercise on you tube under My account "Totalkombatarts" sometime next week.

There are of course a variety of exercises that one can do that will strengthen all of the muscles i have outlined here. I recommend these particular activities because we are not only talking about strength we are talking about training a muscle to perform a specific task, the task of stabilizing the pelvis,  and in as such we must remember that specificity in the training task is also important. these are the exercise i teach in the clinic to anyone who comes to me with problems related to instability of the back or pelvis. i also perform these exercises in my home routine in order to maintain pelvic stability for other activities.  Good luck wth these activities i hope this helps :)  I will try and get video of each of these activities posted on my you tube account soon. if you can't find my you tube account then simply go to my website www.totalkombatarts.com ad follow the you tube link from there. i probably wont be able to get anything posted till later in the week so keep checking.

Thanks everyone have a Nice weekend!



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Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: March 14, 2009, 11:13:23 PM »
Ok Here it is Finally.... a variety of issues kept me off the computer last week but here is the article promised.


Let’s talk about the lumbo-pelvic-femoral system.

      Pelvic alignment is the keystone to correct alignment of the rest of the frame. Without pelvic alignment and even more important, stability, you simply cannot correct either up or down the chain. I have seen this demonstrated over and over in the clinic with patients having complaints as wide ranging as neck pain to plantar fasciitis. Patients will do ok with traditional therapy techniques but often times come back or never fully get back to 100% until we start looking at the pelvis and alignment/stability thereof.

     There are three key anatomical structures that we must look at when determining pelvic alignment and stability: the inominants or iliac bones and their influence on the SI Joint, the AF Joint (Acetabular-Femoral), and the lower lumbar spine itself.  There are a variety of common complaints associated with these structures that are directly related to misalignment. To name a few: SI joint Dysfunction with associated back pain, Sciatica, some forms of Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disk disease, degenerative joint disease, Snapping hip syndrome, piriformis syndrome, Patella/femoral syndrome... the list goes on. According to Ron Hruska of the Postural restoration institute, the most common misalignment problem encountered in the clinic stems from a functional patterned instability of what we call The Left AIC (the Left Anterior Interior Chain). The Anterior-interior chain consists of: Two tracts of Muscles, one on the left side of the interior thoraco-abdominal-pelvic cavity and one on the right, muscular structures include: the Diaphragm, psoas, iliacus, tensor fascia latae, biceps femoris and vastus lateralis. This group of muscles provide support and anchor for abdominal counterforce, trunk rotation and flexion1 This patterned misalignment results in the following anatomical misalignments: anterior tilted pelvis in either the hemi pelvis or bilaterally, a varying degree of habitual pelvic rotation, usually to the right (clockwise), excessive right AF joint internal rotation and left AF joint external rotation, rotation of the lower lumbar spine often in the opposing direction. This pattern is considered multidirectional do to its sagital and oblique influences. This pattern results in habitual compensatory movement strategies. These compensatory movement strategies may manifest in the following joint movement deficits: excessive lumbar lordosis locking the facet joints and limiting rotational movement of the lumbar spine and placing excess stress on the lumbar disks,
decreased right hip extension, poor adduction of both hips with the left hip being worse than the right, sacral torsion with associated Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, mal-alignment of the iliac bones resulting in an apparent ( false )leg length difference.

      There are a number of variations of this pattern that people can present with in the clinical setting, quite often I meet people who have let their pain go on for too long and have developed compensatory movement strategies that leave them bilaterally symptomatic.  With this in mind, we often have to try and put the fire out, so to speak,
Before we can do any real investigating into what the underlying problem is. Usually however, a weakness in one or more of the following areas is associated with most patients’ lumbo-sacral-femoral pain: glutes, both maximus and medius, hamstrings, abdominals and IC (Iscio-Condylar) adductors.  Let’s talk about each of these areas in order to better understand their job duties and purpose.


GLUTES- 

        Gluteus Maximus is primarily known as a hip extender and external rotator. The attachment points or insertion/origin of the glute-max is from, the lateral border of the sacrum, the lateral face of the PSIS (posterior superior iliac spine) and the femur directly below the anatomical neck of the femur as well as fibers running to the Illio-tibial band.  It has the following duties: creates extension of the femur within the Acetabulum. It also “compresses the femur into the acetabulum” creating AF joint stability.  It also approximates the Sacrum to the innominant i.e. iliac bone. It’s purposeful chain of cause and effect goes like this: Sacrum to innominant-sacrum to femur- femur to acetabulum.
     
        Gluteus Medius- Primarily known as a hip abductor and lateral pelvic stabilizer. The attachment points for it are at the lateral upper third of the iliac bone and the later surface of the Greater Trochanter.  It performs the following duties: In open chain- abduction of the femur on the acetabulum. In closed chain- approximates or pulls the acetabulum onto the femur again stabilizing the AF joint and providing joint stability. It is also responsible for elevation of the opposing pelvic crest during gait.  The anterior fibers of the glute-medius also internally rotate the femur on the acetabulum.

         Gluteus Minimus- An internal rotator of the femur on the acetabulum. Attachment of the glute-minimus is from the anterior third of the lateral and middle third of the innominant bone to the anterior Greater Trochanter of the femur

ABDOMINALS-

           An extremely important and complex area, the abdominals perform a variety of functions. I am going to restrain myself from attempting to list the numerous functional duties at this time for fear that I would forget something important.  Instead we are going to focus on the duties of the abdominals relevant to pelvic stability. The abdominal complex is made up of fibers running both sagitally (forward and back), frontally (side to side) and obliquely. These fibers are known as:  abdominus rectus, external and internal obliques and transverse abdominus. Collectively they provide stability to the trunk as well as stability to the lumbar spine and lower ribs creating counter force and opposition to the diaphragm. They also assist with support to the internal organs through maintaining intra-abdominal pressure assisting with peristalsis and elimination of waste.  They also provide support for the anterior pelvic rim and maintenance of neutral pelvic rotation in the sagital plane.  How many times have we all seen someone with a distended abdomen due to stretched out abdominals also demonstrating excessive lumbar curvature and complaining of back pain?  I have read studies in the past that have concluded that most patients seen in the therapy clinic with a diagnosis of “low back pain” DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE A WEAK BACK! Their pain can instead be related to a dysfunctional transverse abdominus which no longer contracts to provide compression of the abdominal contents and stability to the lumbar spine but instead it functions only in an eccentric manner providing a rigid but distended wall which utilizes surface tension in the expanded and rigid muscle fibers to assist with lifting pushing and pulling activities. The next time you attempt to lift a heavy object or push or pull a similarly heavy object pay attention to how you breathe. Do you inhale sharply and then hold your breath in an attempt to “brace yourself” for the task?  Or do you “exhale with exertion” utilizing a much safer and preferred abdominal contraction to engage all the core muscles for support.


HAMSTRINGS-

   The hamstrings consist of the: Biceps Femoris, semitendinosis and semimembrinosus. The hamstrings are known primarily as flexors of the knee they also act as extensors of the hip in closed chain and stabilizers of the knee for gait activities. They can also play a role in external and internal rotation of the femur depending on position. It is in the closed chain (feet planted on a surface) that they also become stabilizers as well as primary posterior rotators of the pelvis.  With a large portion of low back pain complaints demonstrating excessive lumbar lordotic curvature and accompanying anterior pelvic tilt of either one or both of the iliac bones, positional strengthening of the hamstrings becomes a primary focus in achieving a neutrally rotated pelvis with respect to it’s sagital alignment.  Isometric contractions of the hamstrings in the 90/90 position re used to positionaly strengthen the hammy’s for pelvic stability.


ADDUCTORS-

   For our purposes here we are only concerned with that portion of the adductors, Adductor Magnus in particular, that we will refer to as the IC adductor the IC adductor is that portion of the Adductor Magnus that runs from the medial portion of the Ischial Tuberosity and run to the medial condyle at the adductor tubercle. This portion of the Adductor Magnus is part of what is sometimes known as the “hamstring portion of the Adductor Magnus2.  This portion of the adductor is primarily an internal rotator. An important part of the“pelvic repositioning” protocol is utilization of what is known as Left AFIR (Acetabular-Femoral Internal Rotation) positioning.  It is the last key in re-establishing normal closed chain functional movement in the pelvic-femoral part of the lumbo-pelvic-femoral complex. Why is this important!? The million dollar question!  Because Left AFIR is NECESSARY FOR NORMAL WALKING MECHNICS! And far too many of us (meaning all of humanity) spend way too much time bearing the majority of our weight on our right leg leading to an excessively tight left AF joint capsule and a stretched and unstable Right AF Joint Capsule. Think about this… How many Times a day do you stand on your Right leg and Reach into the fridge with your right hand or open your car door or your office door or the door to your home with your weight on your right leg and reaching with your right hand. How often do you stand around chatting with friends or co-workers with 70-80% of your weight shifted over your right side and your belly button over your right pinky toe?  Or how about this watch other people without letting them realize you  are paying attention to their movements see how often you  catch them standing for lengths of time with their weight shifted almost exclusively to one side or the other (usually the right side). You may be in for a shock once you start keeping track of all the single leg standing you are doing in a day.  Now keep in mind that shifting our weight back an forth from one side to the other is Not a pathological pattern and in fact is something I try to promote in the clinic, it is the habitual and excessive single leg standing that becomes a pattern early in life and results in adaptive shortening of the posterior joint capsule of the Left AF joint (usually) and the adaptive lengthening of the Right AF joint posterior capsule over time that lead to compensatory movement patterns. This in concert with adaptive shortening of the Hip Flexors including the Psoas, Iliacus and rectus Femoris as well as tensor fascia latae  result in the pelvic misalignment patterns which can become pathological postural dysfunctions


      If you have made it this far I would like to thank you for bearing with me and hopefully what I have put down here gives you some insight into how the glutes, hamstrings and adductors as well as the abdominal muscles influence Pelvis alignment as well as stability. I have not included any exercise information or pictures at this Time as I need to get permission from the Postural Restoration Institute to share some of their color images from the Pelvic repositioning protocol.  The Black and white images I have at my disposal in an instructional manual do not scan well and would be virtually unusable as jpegs.  In the meantime I will do my best to answer any questions regarding general pelvic stability issues.  I unfortunately must avoid answering anything that might be misinterpreted as diagnosing a specific problem or as delivering a treatment as it could be considered practicing without a license depending on the state you are asking from  
I will post specific exercise images when they become available to me. Thanks everyone


Blackwolf_101
Aka
Rich Artichoker

     

       

18
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: March 04, 2009, 04:52:24 AM »
Hey there  Crafty, I haven't forgotten  :-), In fatc look for an article I am writing on pelvic stability. my intention is to get it posted this weekend. i am tied up at work getting caught up on paperwork and so am spending extra hours there. but look forward to getting back to this subject.

19
Martial Arts Topics / Dog Brothers.....The Stick....and The Fox
« on: March 01, 2009, 05:55:52 AM »
Woof Everyone,

As I become more involved with this forum and with the dog brothers organization in general, applied for DBMAA membership this week  :-D, I thought it might be interesting to mention some of the similarities I am noticing between the tribal philosophy of the dog Brothers and The Tohkala or Fox society of the Lakota people. The Tohkala were the elite warrior society of the lakota. there were other societies but the Tohkala were the bravest and the strongest.  What brings this comparison to mind for me is the stick. While dog brothers are known primarily for their stick fighting skills. The Tohkala would also run or ride into battle with a stick and attempt to touch an enemy. this became known as "counting coup." There is a scene in the movie little big man showing a Sioux (Lakota) warrior riding in and touching a cavalry officer, it might have even been Custer I can't remember, haven't seen the movie in ages. As i thought more about it over the years i came to the conclusion that that scene probably wasn't all that representative of how it really was in battle.  think about a battlefield where your side is equipped with: knives, bow and arrow and you with an stick. The other side is equipped with guns and bayonets. chances are you didn't just walk or ride up and touch someone and then ride or walk away unhindered. i would bet there were often cases where the warrior armed with his Coup stick had to use it to defend himself. I am not aware of any organized Lakota combat system But i will  do some research into this because it occurs to me that you don't get  reputation of being the baddest S.O.B. to ride the plains just by accident. they had to have some significant combat skills just to stay alive even.

One key element of the Lakota warrior societies that i think i should mention is the idea that when a Tohkala warrior was called up to defend his people or his land he became this powerful tool for destruction of the enemy. when he was home and not in a time of war he was to be a Ikce' wicasa or common man, it was his responsibility to conduct himself in a humble  and honorable manner.  In an age where Hype seems to be the way we conduct our business I think we could all do well to remember to be Be The Ikce' wicasa, when at home with our families and going to the grocery store or whatever we should have the humbleness of the warrior, " I bow down to no man but ask no man to bow to me"

20
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Team Dog Brothers MMA?
« on: March 01, 2009, 05:02:25 AM »
Woof Maija

Thanks for the kind comments. As far as the Lakota traditions and how we channel the "dangerous" energy, there are a variety of ways that western (the direction not the culture) energy is utilized.  Lakota spiritual ceremonies are all very physical affairs. The "Inipi" or sweat lodge utilizes heated rocks and water to remind us of our connection to all that is.  The sun Dance requires that people suffer to make their prayers stronger and to help heal the community in general. committing to the sun dance requires a year of preparation as you must fast for 4 days and go without water during the day while you dance for up to 12 hours, often in 100+ degree heat. Many people elect to be pierced through the arm or chest by skewers in order to make their prayers and mind stronger.  I have never participated in a Sun Dance But I have been on what many people would call a "vision quest" My Favorite experience with this was My first time spending all night out on a Hill in the Black hills of South Dakota. It was Pitch black, i couldn't even see my hand in front of my face but as the sun began to rise and the mist formed I could hear Bull elk Bellowing all around me. It's still one of my favorite sounds. when the mist cleared there were elk all around me some withing 50 feet. I think the Hanblecia or "vision quest" reflects the dog brothers philosophy most closely because when my father was preparing me for this experience he told me, " when you go out there you must be clear and ready for anything. the spirits will be present and if they want they can take you at anytime." this was my first realization that I was completely responsible for a decision that put me in a situation that could possibly end my life. the outcome however was a better understanding of myself and my connection to all that moves on the earth.  hopefully that gives you some idea of what i think has helped me along the way understand the principle of "only you are responsible for you" i have been aware of this principle for many years and have tried to live it, not always being completely successful every day but in my defense, I keep trying. I think it was Bruce Lee who once said,"Balance is when you run like hell to catch up to it."  :-D

Miyakuye Oyasin


Blackwolf_101

21
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Training in Colorado
« on: March 01, 2009, 04:34:12 AM »
I guess as long as were are using this thread to look for training partners  :-), If there is anyone in North Central Nebraska/ South Central South Dakota I am looking for a new training partner as well. I am about 5 1/2 hours from Denver so it wouldn't be easy to work with anyone from that area. however.... a new situation has come up at work that may/or may not  free me up quite a bit in the near future.
anyway... if there is anyone in my area looking for a training partner email me at richartichoker@gmail

22
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: March 01, 2009, 04:29:06 AM »
Woof

I agree with with what Crafty said and would like to add peak hip adductor contraction as well.  The IC (Ischio-Condylar) or Adductor magnus is the third Piton in the pelvic stabilizer triad.  the triad includes: Glutes, Hamstrings and adductors.  work on your lateral movement also you'll be amazed at how much that can get the medial quads and adductors firing.  :-D

23
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Team Dog Brothers MMA?
« on: February 27, 2009, 05:41:56 AM »
Woof

Nice Post Robert. I would also have to agree with the statement that the UFC, while being the vehicle that brought my attention to the MMA world,  The Reality TV show TUF continues to drag the martial arts through the mud by focusing on the antics of emotionally under-equipped EMO generation fighters.  I especially liked the aspect of the article where Mayeda talks about the influences of violent culture on the youth. this has been an interest of mine for many years. In the past i have spent a lot of time volunteering at youth activities on the reservation. many of the "at risk kids" i think do tend to gravitate toward dangerous  activities with MMA being one of those activities.  I often get a bit peeved at the social workers that shout their mantra: "Violence is learned behavior", while i agree that progressively sophisticated levels of violence are most likely learned behaviors. i feel that an innate instinct for aggression is present in every living thing. and especially in human beings. without that instinct we would be much lower on the food chain my friends! and in as such that instinct does need to be honored and given a place to be exorcised. we do not have to battle daily for survival anymore from wild creatures or from the elements as our great ancestors did.  so we have few options left with which to express that part of the life force that can be seen as destructive.  this is one of the things that attracted me to this organization. DBMA has within its structure both the necessary ritualistic elements as well as the practical elements to honor this yang energy. In the Lakota culture we Refer to this energy as Wioh'piyata,  it is the western direction and the west is where the thunderstorms come from out here. The west represents Energy and power that can be both destructive as well as healing. the winds and lightning of the west can be destructive but the rains heal the land and bring new growth.  this energy has an equal and important place in the culture and it is honored as the first direction we pray to when we pray.

Mitakuye' oyasin

Blackwolf_101

24
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Team Dog Brothers MMA?
« on: February 25, 2009, 04:48:25 AM »
Woof

thanks for the great advice C-howling Dog. I guess maybe i should introduce myself to give everyone some idea of what my background is. My real name is Rich, I have been studying Kali and Jkd/Jun Fan, muay Thai, Judo and a few elements of Hapkido for some time now on my own. I have probably been with the Kali/escrima the longest (began studying back in the late 70's after watching Game of death in the theaters and became an instant Dan Inosanto fan) I have had a small local group off and on for years but continue to be plagued  with poor retention of students/training partners. most last about a month and then quit. It sucks. I have also started my own website to try and further my mission of creating a framework or method to allow people in situations like myself ( I live near an Indian reservation at the South Dakota/Nebraska Border) where there are no martial arts schools or groups organized within a reasonable distance to train with the resources available to them online and with instructional video. with Guru Crafty's permission.. my website is www.totalkombatarts.com  it is in desperate need of an update as I am managing it myself and don't know jack about coding, lol

The reason i live in such a remote area is because i am from here, i am Lakota this is where my family are and with a new baby ,17 months old, my wife and i want her to know her elders and grandparents as well as her culture and language. I feel that the material that DBMA teaches is very appropriate for self defense here on the reservation as we have all the social problems that exist in a inner city atmosphere and non of the resources to combat it. many people are scared and the Leo's are overwhelmed. getting people involved is the hard part but as Guru crafty so eloquently states, "ther adventure continues"  so I hope soon to be able to make a trip to California and train with some of you guys. It sounds like a lot of fun. right now my job has me tied to the home front as we are short staffed and wayyy overbooked but my resolve is strong. the martial arts is my passion so i look forward to each opportunty to train and learn.  :-)

Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all related)

25
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Team Dog Brothers MMA?
« on: February 24, 2009, 05:41:41 AM »
Woof Dan,

 I hear you preaching brother!  and I also wish I was closer to California to be a part of all this exciting stuff. Unfortunately i am stuck out here in the boondocks.

maybe sometime in the future we can get a dbma group out here in the midwest eh Crafty??

i am 7 hours from omaha and 9 hours from minneapolis but could probably make a seminar once or twice  a year. unfortunately my job and other responsibilities keep me close to home in Valentine NE population 2081, lol

26
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: February 24, 2009, 05:22:42 AM »
woof,

it's good to have another medical opinion weighing in on this thread. thanks foxmarten. I feel i have to say however, that in my experience, most mild to moderate cases of spinal stenosis  and disk disease can be effectively managed with non- invasive means. surgery should be a last resort and as a clinical therapist i see people all the time who have had some form of back surgery and continue to have back pain, sometimes worse than before the surgery.  Imho postural re-education programs are very effective if the patient is willing to comply with them and be patient enough to wait for the results which sometimes can take weeks.  I have had a few cases where i was able to relieve a patients symptoms in one or two sessions by simply teaching postural principles and giving them some pelvic repositioning exercises but they are the exception not the rule. unfortunately, some of the  people who come to see me in the clinic have been suffering, sometimes for years and often times have had a previous course of therapy that failed and therefore are expecting failure again so do not stick with the program long enough to see the results.

I feel like modern medicine has done a dis-service to the public in creating a culture that feels like they can go in to see a doctor and get a pill or surgery that will fix em right up, no hassles, no worries. unfortunately, this is not true for many. as guru crafty has pointed out that one of the universal truths is "only you are responsible for you" this is and has been one of my guiding principles for years. i see the best results in the clinical setting and with martial arts when the people i work with take  responsibility for their own experience and their own outcome and work hard to achieve their goals.


Mitkuye  Oyasin (lakota for: "we are all related")
Blackwolf_101

27
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Alignment
« on: February 23, 2009, 05:52:56 AM »
Woof Everyone,

I am happy to see this subject has been posted and has gotten some interest. you have all made some good points and asked some good questions regarding this information.  One of the things I am going to be doing soon ( I hope) is writing an article on the postural benefits of sitting breathing practice. as I stated in my response to Guru crafty's newsletter breathing correctly is one of the key elements to achieving correct postural alignment of the spine as a whole. I use a technique known as diaphragmatic breathing which, if any of you have had singing lessons you most likely taught diaphragmatic breathing. unfortunately I still see people breathing incorrectly even when they have received this instruction previously.

The key to correct breathing is inhalation through the nose, exhalation through the mouth. do not purse the lips as if blowing through a straw. sigh the air back out. i remember reading an interveiw with Lance Armstrong a few years ago and he happened to be talking about breathing when riding in a race or time trial. He reported that it is important to: "make a Big Hole in  your Face" in order move enough air to breath efficiently enough to perform at that level.

It is also important to keep your breathing relaxed and natural in order to avoid kicking in the "accessory muscles of respiration". watch a baby breath as it sleeps. it is not forced, it is relaxed and natural. it is also helpful to breath to a rhythm such as in some meditative practices. I  tell many of my patients to inhale for 4 counts exhale for 6 or 8 counts and then PAUSE before restarting the cycle. This helps to reset the system and help our diaphragm come to it's "Zone of Apposition" which is essential for natural breathing.  Unfortunately I have to get going to work so that is all for now. thanks again guru Crafty for posting my response and I hope this has helped. i will talk more about this (it's one of my favorite subjects  :-D. ) Later. 


28
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Cooties in Training
« on: February 07, 2009, 07:01:19 PM »
Hey Guys,

Some important things to remember about MRSA:

The research that we have been briefed on in the hospital setting reports that Community acquired MRSA is actually a slightly different strain that the hospital Born or (nosicomial) versions of the past. so what?  well the two may respond differently to the same antibiotic.
Also The most proven way to avoid a staff infection is Hygiene!!!
Prevention of MRSA is the most efficient way to treat it. in fact it has become a Superbug do to the fact it has been exposed to a large variety of increasingly powerful antibiotics.

Maybe it should just plain be a Gym policy to only come workout with clean gear and encourage good hygiene. Often times simply reminding people that there is an increased prevalence of these superbugs is enough to get people to be more conscientious if for no other reason than to protect themselves.

29
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Movie Fights
« on: January 28, 2009, 05:59:30 AM »
Woof everyone,

There have been so many very cool movies mentioned already, I just want to add Ong Bak and The protector as well as kill Bill Vol. 1. Uma thurman was pretty good in this. 

30
Woof,

I realize I am a Little late getting on the Train here but is the application period still open?

31
Woof,

I did not see any reply button available on my thread so i jumped up here, lol
Thank you Crafty,  :-D Yes I did see this thread and was thinking this tv show might be something more along the lines  of "fight quest" or something like that. if this project you are starting is what i have been getting wind of then it sounds exciting and I am looking forward to seeing it.

32
Martial Arts Topics / New weapon Based Full contact Fighting league?
« on: January 25, 2009, 06:22:32 PM »
Woof everyone,

Hey Guys I am hearing rumors of a new weapons based full contact fight league and am wondering is this true, and...

      1) is it a Dog Brothers affiliation?
      2) will it be televised?
      3) How does one get involved outside of California, lol

     MMA is  pretty Big out here in the Midwest but even so that in mainly in the Larger markets like Minneapolis, Omaha and Denver. out here in the boondocks, i am pretty much the only person I have met who knows Much about eclectic martial arts and submission grappling for hundreds of miles, I would love to be updated and learn more about a league of this nature and possibly train fighters in the future.


33
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Why did Elite XC Fail?
« on: October 25, 2008, 10:23:50 PM »
I disagree, Elite Xc  had a couple of Things going for It that I liked in comparison to UFC.

First of all, Womens competition. Gina Carano was and Is a Joy to watch.  yeah i know that other organizations such as bodog had women's fights but we are talking about comparing elite xc and UFC here and Dana white has said in the Past that he is not interested in promoting women's Fights

secondly, Elite XC was able to produce 7 of The 10 most watched television MMA events In us history.

Lastly: I havent paid a red cent to watch an Elite Xc event. The Bill for watching UFC Pay per veiws... $249 Bucks and counting!

34
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Woof from a FMA noob
« on: October 17, 2008, 04:07:50 PM »
Woof to all,

    I am also a Newbie to this forum. My Name is Rich I lived In the Twin Cities in 89'-90 and took some classes from Rick Fay he is Most definitely a wonderful instructor. I am currently studying on my own at this time and Like you Chad Money and time are always in short supply. some Video I have found useful are pretty much anything by Paul Vunak, Burton Richardson also has some useful information on His material but he tends to jump around so much its hard to keep a coherent training Thread Going based on his material. I am also looking forward to getting some of The DBMA Videos in the near future. Right now I Live in a very small town in North Central Nebraska just a few Miles from  the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation where I grew up. i hope to develop My skills enough to be able to teach FMA and MMA material to some of The Kids and to work The various institutions in the area to increase awareness of The POSITIVE effects of learning the martial arts. Right now many people here are afraid of what I do wth The escrima and Of MMA I have a small club with four members that i work with and all together we Train. i see the Positive benefits  in One young girl especially who has a background of parental abuse. Makes me wish i could quit my day job and just train and Teach martial arts. Good Luck with your training Chad and if you ever get out into western NE or SD get ahold of Me I love to train with anyone  I can.  Mitakuyasin ( we are all Related)   :mrgreen:

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