Tiger1962

LMAO @ "ankle biters" I love it !!!!!!!!!

I would just follow up with an orthopedic doctor - (also known as sports medicine doctor). In my own personal experience with numerous injuries, if the pain doesn't go away between one & a half to two weeks, I see a doctor.

Bushido Man gave you excellent advice. I agree with him. I too would suggest to try to find another school that is better suited to what you prefer. However, if you stop training altogether, you'll be back at square one, so if there isn't another school nearby to train at, have a talk with your instructor and see if you can get more time in with the adults. Maybe your instructor doesn't know how you feel & can help make the situation better by partnering you with the adults more.

This is what I'm currently doing to improve my cardio - - I do 30 minutes on the treadmill and another 30 on the ellyptical machine. If you can't do 30 and 30 on each then work your way up to it. My cardio needs improving for the same reason as you, plus I have a medical condition where I need to improve my cardio - meaning its mandatory - doctor's orders. You might want to try that. I can't go out jogging due to joint problems but with the machines, you can alter it better to your own needs.

It could be that you are just USED to doing it more the outside to inside way since that's what you initially learned in TKD. For me, the reverse is true, my inside to outside kick is stronger. It feels stronger going up AND coming down. In my outside to inside, it feels most strongest only coming down and not raising up. But then, I attribute that to the fact that I favor and practice the former more than the latter.

Well, I don't know about where you live, but where I live, if cops see a bunch of people running around in ninja uniforms and it ain't Halloween, I can bet you they're going to stop you.

True what Bushido said and I have a couple relatives that teach grade school. From what I've heard, they're hoping to discourage kids from watching TV and playing video games when they go home and instead work on improving their academic skills. It doesn't help with having extra spare time, but in the long run, the results might be worth it.

I agree with Tori - I would it in an area that is contained and certainly NOT run around the town dressed in a ninja uniform. I think if you do that you will definitely get into trouble.

Here's a few: When you're taking mass transportation (train, bus, etc.) use the seats nearest the exit doors. When walking down the street, walk in the center of the block, not too close to the curb or too close to the buildings. Don't follow the same identical path to your home every night, change it up a bit. Be aware of people who "bump" into you on trains and buses. Could be accidental, but it's also a ploy used by pickpockets.

Does anyone in the forum still use the anti-theft device for cars, the Club? I do. Having a tire iron under your front seat can be interpreted as that you were looking for a confrontation, when you were actually trying to keep the guy(s) away from you in a situation involving your car. The Club is a legitimate anti-theft device, so there's nothing to explain about it being in the passenger compartment, is metal, and can be wielded with one hand or two. Oh jeez, yeah - we use one on our car & I don't really see too many around any more. Friends of ours joke that someday we will get the car stolen and the thieves will leave the club in the spot where the car used to be. LOL

I don't think you're alone in wondering this. I have often wondered the same thing and there's probably others out there who also do. As much as I enjoy the style I train in, sometimes when I see certain things go on in my school or at tournaments, I wonder just how qualified others are. I also wonder about the worth of my own rank sometimes! Meaning, I believe we all have periods where we get discouraged and have moments of doubt from time to time. Could that be it for you? The other thing is I feel that it's only natural to question things like that. If you truly feel that the promotion level is too quick, then maybe it's not such a bad idea to explore other styles. I don't see it as "cheating" - - after all you are paying a tuition, not learning it for free; and if you feel that you aren't getting your money's worth or that it doesn't seem valid enough, then there is nothing wrong with exploring other options, and you don't HAVE to mention it to your instructor. Now there are some who might not agree with me and that's ok. Everyone sees things from a different point of view. But I WILL say that there are other styles outside of yours who's promotion and ranking have a longer waiting period between testing for rank and also have more curriculum to be tested on between belt levels. What you mentioned about the Korean master didn't sit right with me either. Like you, I sensed some b.s. too. You are a prospective student, what's there to qualify? It's not like you're taking a test to become a police officer or some other law enforcement person where you need to qualify PHYSICALLY & PSYCHOLOGICALLY. You're a prospective customer. You want to learn martial arts. You pay a tuition, you join a school. That's how I see it. Maybe this guy thinks you're a "spy" from another school. I have heard of students who take a few classes at a competitors school to see what it's like (curriculum, agenda, rates, etc.) and then report back to their instructor at their dojo. It's martial arts competition - maybe that's what he's thinking?? Also, it seems odd that he will not let you observe a class. I've visited a few other m.a. schools outside the style I train in and all have offered to let me observe their class or at least take one introductory class - so again, to me that sounds strange. If this were me, I'd find another style that interests me, and confidentially take a few classes to test it out. If this other guy doesn't let you then find somewhere else. Compare it to where you train now. Then decide. That's my opinion and it's what I would do, if I felt as you. Good luck

I don't have one but if I did, I'd carry it and probably hold it in my hand if I were walking to a parking lot or somewhere else at night that had limited pedestrian traffic around. I have the *panic alarm* sounder on my car key chain though.

Well if you're at home and there's a break-in, you can probably find all three right there in your kitchen; IF you have the time to reach them. Knives Broomstick handle or mop ...and if you're like my husband, who leaves various tools around the house, maybe even a wrench or a power drill. Now THOSE are weapons! LOL Now talking about a street situation, let's say a bar or restaurant, the first thing that comes to mind is a bottle or utensil (knife or fork) in addition to the pool stick idea you mentioned. Can't see a sword-like or staff-like weapon appearing unless the attack occurred in the kitchen of the bar or restaurant. Hmm...maybe someone else can come up with more creative ideas than I did.

yeah, sort of - you know, when you're in class or right before class when you're warming up and you and a friend or partner take a few shots at each other. Wha...? Doesn't everyone do this ??

I agree 100% with you and if I had my own school, I too would rather have the 10 dedicated students than 1000 that just want to flash their rank. Unfortunately, renting space for a m.a. school is really expensive - I'm sure it is all over - and some instructors teach as a full time job, not a part time job, and need all the $$$ they can get to keep it running. I can understand that, but it does have its drawbacks. So they are kind of in a rough spot between recruiting as many students as they can and keeping the school going & staying true to their style. If you're independently wealthy and money is not an issue, then I guess it doesn't matter.

but of course

Ah, yes, not stretching is looking for trouble...

Ok, duh. Time for me to get another cup of coffee.

....unless he wants you to.

Someone told me that if you use water inside the wavemaster instead of sand, that you should add some bleach also so it won't get moldy.

I'm very familiar with using BOB. My opinion on it? It's okay; it's good for target practice when you don't have a live partner, but a live partner is always the best.

Congratulations! Yes, enjoy the journey of learning! It's fantastic!

That's a good point. What's LEO stand for ?

Staying home to hand out candy to the neighborhood kids and when they ring the bell and I open the door..... mwahahaha!!! Happy Halloween !

Ah-HA ! I got ya on this one! If you truly don't fear death, then you should NOT fear heights because "height" is just a "location". Death is a "state" - it's final - an ending, no coming back; adios; sayonara. Height is not terminal. Unless, of course, you fall from a high place. eh? eh? I'm right aren't I ?