[Coach Chomycia]

Thanks for your patience guys, were gearing up for a big event this weekend.

There is a lot to post on so I'll try to be brief on responding to your comments.

First off, this was not a bash on RMAX. I've bought a good amount of videos from Mr.Sonnon and got a lot out of them.

I'd have to second that.

If 2 of you say you weren't bashing then that's good enough for me. I'm glad I commented because it made sure that there wasn't a misunderstanding for those who read this forum.

Arthur thanks for posting and clearing up some points.
On to the others,

Random Quote:

Tension in striking is necessary to minimize trauma in the joints, the question is how much and when.

This comment I have issues with. First there is that issue of term definition again. What is tension? There is muscular tension, The tension derived by contraction in an agonist... and their is mechanical tension. mechanical tension being a pulling force put on musculo-skeletal tissue. Without knowing which we are talking about (they manifest as direct opposites) we really can't have a meaningful talk on the subject. On the other hand, I can hit with a lack of either and make it hurt pretty darn good.

To learn what tension is about Coach Sonnon has a great article about it in CST Magazine called the Integrity of Tension.

Though I would add that their are methods of throwing whip strikes that circumvent that issue. Of course that change starts to put them in the realm of the casting strike... albeit on a wider arc than normally shown.

This is exactly the point, keep moving up the continuum towards casting through trial and error or you can just learn how to do it straight out the gate and save your joints. RMAX continues to lead the industry in research and development into what makes MA and Physical Culture produce the fastest, healthiest, lasting results in your personal practice. RMAX isn't interested in the proliferation of a Style of fighting or training, it's interested in what Enhances the performance of it's Clients. This is why the "Fisticuffs" Video a small course filmed a few years ago, directed towards sport fighters looked the way it did. It was so that RMAX could build a bridge to that audience through it's material. Casting isn't a Type or Style of striking, it is a movement pattern that teaches someone to strike more efficiently. If you have ever been hit by Coach Sonnon you would know it more fun to be kicked by horse than to deal with that trauma. Ask me how I know! Training and working with him privately these last few years has been the most productive and physically painful experiences of my life! It seems every time I adapt to this new level of pain he knows it and has another level ready and waiting for me. I would gladly exchange the blows from Fisticuffs with the ones I had to deal with this afternoon!

Getting back to the subject, since casting is a great movement pattern( not a technique) you can decide how you want to use it. Bring your over hook down hard on his neck or blast his armpit up on your way an under hook. With RMAX you ultimately decide exactly how to accomplish your tactical goal without the limitation of either Grappling or Striking.

Talk to you soon!
Coach Dan Chomycia
RMAX Instructor