KickChick

I have to say that it does happen very rarely and only with beginners (and then it is usually only one board and not that powerful of a kick) ... a mere stinging pain in the fingers. It helps to have the student "line up" their kick several times to be sure the board is held at the correct height and that they are positioned far or close enough to the board. It is truly a "fluke" when an occurence such as I described does happen .... but keep in mind that it could happen.

Yes that is how my message was intended. Thank you for reply John ... I was only trying to do my small part ... Especially since this is a global community ... I am sure that our servicemen would value your messages at this time.

You can say that again ramy! Unfortunately (or fortunately, however you look at it) my husband is very proud of the fact that I am a 2nd degree black belt (actually his 2 girls are... my daughter is also a bb 1st degree)... so sometimes he is on the receiving end of the comments. Also happened to me more than once.... never have I found the need to prove myself to anyone ... unless they require ACTUAL proof

All very good replys! You may have just reached a plateau in your training. I suggest maybe you write down the pros and cons. It sometimes helps to see it in black & white. You may just need a change either in schools or possibly style.

Our school does not incorporate a written or verbal test but I am personally in favor of testing not only the students physical abilities but also knowledge of their martial art and the positive effects it has (which would be a personal essay). I would imagine that if you do decide to test in such a way that you will have to gather up a syllabus for all of your students with criteria necessary for them to accomplish in order for them to earn their next ranking..... (for example) which would include pattern/kata, basic technique, sparring, breaks (optional), self-defense, terminology and/or theory which would include general knowledge, etiquette and history.

I normally get this cataog by mail from Balazs Boxing .... but the have a good gyide online on how to select a heavy bag because there are many variable to consider such as hanging/freestanding, filled/unfilled, size (pounds), coverage (leather/canvas/vinyl)... Check it out http://www.balazsboxing.com/thegym/buyguide_heavybag.htm

Okay .. so let's see what you're saying--- You "workout" 3 days a week for (length of time??) ....on Wednesdays (freestyle gymnastics), next day Kickboxing on Thursday , skip a day and Kung Fu on Saturday. What is the problem?? Are you physically tired? Muscles sore? What's the problem exactly?? I teach kickboxing and train in TKD 4-5 days a week .... (and most likely twice your age)... Good nutrition, adequate rest and motivation ....

... and you wouldn't be the first (nor the last) to try! grrrr!!!! yeah I'm bad ... but I am trying sooo hard to be good.... really! KickChick<--- going to be watching her back from now on!

Like he said Mike.... and it was multiple boards and it was a "dead on" strike to the finger with a heel.

gives new meaning to the term "player" then!

Not when "breaking" .... when "holding" (the boards).... something to think about next time you HOLD

nah... just good alignment and a good mindset! Read on ..... http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2318

I've seen more injuries incurred by people holding boards than from the breakers! I'll never forget my first month taking classes ... two students were holding and the breaker missed and one student severed the tip of his index finger ... blood spurted everywhere!!!! Typically breaks aren't advised for beginners who haven't acquired the necessary control of their technique ... but then again accidents do happen with the more advanced student also. Yes, there are single up to 4 board manual holders you can purchase to save those "fingertips"!

Xenadrine-RFA1 contains ephedra and there is now ephedrine-free Xenadrine-EFX http://www.xenadrine.com/products/xenadrine/clin_stud.asp

Send a special message to our men and women in the military defending American freedom worldwide. http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/ This site was created to show support for those who could potentially come into harms way. There is a warning on the site to those that want to criticize ethnic groups, religions or the United States..... there are newsgroups on the internet where that form of expression is acceptable.

Now that the terror threat level across the nation has been elevated to orange (since I am on the east coast near several nuclear facilities this makes it more alarming!)....the Red Cross has developed some guidelines that I thought I would share with those that may in the event that it is necessary. This has been our family's "serious discussion" as of late... going from planning our summer vacation to planning on surviving another terrorist attack. ... which means getting a plan of action. Although this site is set up for Oregon and Connecticut it offers a 3-step plan in order to prepare for a disaster... http://www.prepareforlife.org/

ah... Am I following you? ... or just watching your back !!! Back on track we go!!! Because I have a condition known as "mvp" (mitral valve prolapse) I am now "trying" an ephedra free metabolic enhancer. Too soon to tell how well it works but one thing I do notice is that it doesn't suppress the appetite as well....

.... sure, easy for them ... they're all men! (ex-men ) We got the 3-B's ---- brawn, brains & beauty!!! Ok well I threw my meager offerings in, waiting to hear from the rest of the team!

.....click on "workouts".... good workouts!! (and free )

Lots and lots and lots of previous discussion on calisthenics / bodyweight exercises here on these two threads in Health & Fitness (although I do believe there are many many more ... just query "Furey" ) http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=3147 http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=4424 Love the Furey ~~~~ ... Eye of the Tiger (where are you???!)

heehee... sorry Ken I only saw the one on the front page until you mentioned you posted more in the album. I mentioned the board holder because there are three different basic breaking techniques you can use. A strong support break is against materials placed on solid unyielding objects such as the "power board holder". This is an easier type of break, although if you miss you may hit metal or boards may slip either up or down off the strapping. A semi-strong support break is board held by one or more people. This is a more difficult break than a strong support break since the breaker has less control over the positioning and movement of the board. A no support or speed break is the most difficult type of break. (2 of which I needed to do for 2nd dan requirement) In a no support break, the board is held by the fingers of one hand or is thrown in the air and strike is then executed with speed and accuracy otherwise the board is knocked away. Accuracy is important since the object must be struck directly in its center for it to break. If you have two people holding boards for you (or you plan on holding for another student)you should check to see if: Arms are locked.. bent arms absorb energy rather than resisting it. Thumbs held parallel to edges of board. Thumbs vertically placed maybe injured. Deep stances , leaning forwrd slightly. Extra holders may brace the holders by pushing on the primary holders backs and/or by holding their forearms from the side. Each holder should be about the same height and weight. Holders should be strong enough to hold for the break.

All of the above... and then some. I love how Mr. Wesler explains the "art of breaking" on his web site, " Breaking is a tangible means of measuring development of skill and power. You literally set up an obstacle for yourself and then smash through it. As you develop, you set up stronger obstacles and must raise yourself to higher levels of skill. What is at first impossible becomes easy. Apply this to all areas of your training and you will persevere until success." I mean where is the debate Breaking has always been an integral part of my training since day one... (as you can see on my school's web site) .... we break patio blocks, ice slabs, flaming boards, and set up intricate multiple break tecniques.

Regardless of just where the pain happens to be.... it shouldn't "be". You are either bouncing into your stretches or clearly stretching without proper warmup. It could very well be the hamstring ... in that case you need to ease back into your stretching routine gradually. Don't force it .... your flexibility will come!

Just curious to see if any other schools use a board holder such as ours for multiple breaks.... http://www.aitkd.com/2/gallery2.htm OH BTW ... nice pic Ken!!!!

... and if TKD weren't now that would be bullshido!