Ironberg

Howdy Wilt... Good luck finding your sifu!

Ha! That's the way it should be. I wish my instructor thought the same way.

You're on, Mart. Most people I know practice Kata for the sake of practicing kata, and not because they are imagining themselves actually hitting people with all their might. I remember the days where my joints would get sore because of the way I snap-locked my techniques in place - but with time not only did my technique improve, but so did the integrity of my joints (good for future years).

If it wasn't for the fact that there is no one worth sparring in the backyard, I'd have already got backyard matches set up by now.

Hehe! I've got a compo this weekend too. I even got my own kata designed to boot. Good luck at your tourney.

Hey, I've made up kata, and I've modified kata. Hasn't made me ineffective, but it has given me more freedom to express myself in the martial ART.

So, a counterattack. That's actually a good, foolproof philosophy. Go for it!

I know how you feel. It's especially hard if you feel attracted to the gal. You feel like you're trampling on your neighbor's rose garden. Yeah, hardly any gals sign up for Karate. But, we've got 95% ladies in the cardio kickboxing classes.

I was once a trekkie when I didn't know any better. The rainbow one was too cheesy. I rather liked the "What's New KHAAN", it gave me a good belly laugh. The Picard Song was kinda cool because they took some techno track; wav. files from the Next Generation, and infused them to make something that reflects how much free time they have on their hands.

Also remember that horizontal to verticle fist pushups seem to add different dimensions to the exercise.

Knees are funny things. They can be the most annoying thing that makes you realize how much you take them for granted. I've had near misses with my knees and feel lucky. I hope you can see a doctor about yours.

My biggest concern is, in fact, the problem with getting any good partners these days. Even if I could convince someone to smack me around they won't be around consistently. I've read in articles that "reasonable massocism" has helped martial artists who fight full-contact - is that true?

Well, I personally see what Icetuete is implying. I've heard and emmitted so many different cries: 1. I-yaaa! (a long hiya without the 'H') 2. Saaahh! 3. HA! 4. FFFTT! 5. WHO! 6. A-Saahhh! 7. Oiyaaa! 8. Kihap! (more well known in TKD) 9. AAARHH! (the Pirate does karate) 10. Shhhh! (snake kung-fu, anyone?) 11. Ah-Su! (God bless you.) and last but not least: 12. HADOKEN! (with your palms bent, facing your opponent ) Personally, I'm more of a fan with anything that ends with "yaaa!"

Yeah, I understand what you are saying. Basically, in order to do what I want to do I'm going to have to teach myself how to handle contact (easier said than done). I don't care what I do, I'm so darn sick and tired of being limited by what I'm doing now. I usually do alot of heavybag work on my own. However, I usually stretch as a rest break. Times that I felt kata could also give myself a break, I was met with much fatigue because I put alot of power behind my kata. I wish my instructor could have us do pad-work in class every once in a while.

If I see someone waiting to draw me in with their chambered leg, I usually do something unorthadox - a jumping kick of somekind. Usually what happens is success, or their inability to properly connect. But that's just me who's also taller than everyone.

Yaeh, Iv'e herad taht bfoere sewohmere!

Well, I do alot of point fighting, and TKD continuous sparring - I'm kinda hoping it doesn't leave me in the dark in terms of footwork. However, I'm hoping my instructor can provide a few pointers along those lines. I've watched a few amateur kickbox matches and noticed that I should get used to fighting in a dynamic pace. If I was to throw full-contact blows at the same rate I exchange techniques I normally do, I'll probably die in the middle of the second round. I concur with your opinions about Muay Thai rules.

Some large people commit to their strikes too much. I recently faced off with a larger competitor who's strikes took too long to rechamber. All I had to do was time them, and spin back kick him pretty darn hard in the gut. People with longer limbs have much more of themselves to keep track of, and this especially goes with "oversized" competitors who although are capable of generating power are usually a pitfall to slowing down.

Perhaps you simply have to accept the possibility that they are too young to be there, too young to focus properly, and too young to reap the benifits of dilligence.

I have no access to "kickboxing" training, per say. My style is extremely adaptive to many things, and already stresses alot of kickboxing techniques that you are probably thinking: 1. Jabs, crosses, other boxing style punches. 2. Roundhouse, front, and a stresses a side kick that's both fast and in good form. We may not be very good at bobbing or weaving, but that's because good sparring partners are scarce, and there is no kickboxing gym within a hunderd miles. I'm trying to break this rut that I'm in being in this armpit of a town. I'm trying to broaden my horizons in the martial arts, and I'm thinking that it can only be acheived by taking the plunge like this. I now have access to a weight room that my highschool recently opened for students to lift in the mornings for free. I'm already in pretty good shape, but could just use a little more muscle. I'm not really concerned about the rules just as long as I can prepare for them to some degree (hard to do with few equals, but my instructor seems open to the situation). Pain is inevitable, but submission is optional.

Yeah, whoever draws the suicide king (I think hearts) gets to spar me!

I'm thinking of getting my instructor to help me set up an exhibition bout to fight sometime before or during to summer. It would have to about a hundred miles away in the big cities cuz there is no viable competitiors around here. What do you suggest I do as the first steps to getting some time in the ring?

You can almost achieve the same effect by punching while you are slamming the other fist into your stomach. It causes you to exhale violently while taking punishment.

Are you kidding, man. To me, the roundhouse to spin hook (or side) is now comparable in consistency to my jab-cross combo.

I wish I understood Korean. My school hasn't made foreign language a priority.