KickChick

"THE other side" how's that one for a team name?? Well there are five of us... how about the "Magnificent Five" or in keeping a team name martial arts related in nature, how about "Five Fists of Power", "Super Fighters" or if we all did a Korean martial art.... the "Seoul Survivors"

You would think that a neat desk is an organized desk, but this isn't necessarily so. You say that all that "stuff" are the things things you need quickly and have easy access to...sometimes neatness can be a sign of organization, but the two aren't the same thing. An artist's studio can be very organized, but not at all neat. Part of the creative process demands that an artist be "messy." So how can he still be organized and still be messy? Because he can quickly find the things he needs just as you said. Everything has a place that's located near where he uses the item. Because of this, the artist can spend more time creating and less time looking for things. How many of us are neat, but know that we aren't organized? ... but then there are some that are both messy and not organized....and THAT is just plain LAZY! IMO

http://www.stadion.com/gif/Fronmawa.jpg For front splits, the front leg should be straight and its kneecap should be facing the ceiling.The front foot can be pointed or flexed (there will be a greater stretch in the front hamstring if the front foot is flexed). The kneecap of the back leg should either be facing the floor (which puts more of a stretch on the quadriceps and psoas muscles), or out to the side (which puts more of a stretch on the inner-thigh (groin) muscles). If it is facing the floor, then it will be difficult to flex the back foot, since the instep would be on the floor. If the back kneecap is facing the side, then your back foot should be stretched out (not flexed) with the toes pointed to reduce the stress on the knee. Even with the toes of the back foot pointed, you may still feel that there is to much stress on your back knee (in which case you should make it face the floor). Takes time and lots of practice to achieve!!! Keep working on it!

I'll think of a few and post back here tomorrow...... Can't wait to start! We got a good team!!

Refer to discussion here on these threads in the Health & Fitness forum..... http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1657 http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=5408

I personally just use a heavy bag at home .... excuting strike to bag (without gloves of course) ...there are those that do use a makiwara which you can purchase to use at home. Or if you don't have a heavy bag .. you can construct sand bags to hit. (fill a canvas bag with sand) I have read also that you can also strike using your knife hand on a 1 in. pine board. Holding the board on its edge and repeatedly striking it. This hardens the edge of your hand. You increase the conditioning difficulty by then striking the corner of the board several times. You then must rub/massage hands to get blood flowing afterwards. I choose not to do this type of "iron hand" conditioning .... I manage ok without it so far.

whew whatta relief!!! It is the opinion of "some" that I can't take a joke around here and have pssed one or two people off.... so I've stepped down in my role here so that I would no longer. Oh well! Thank you for your understanding ... I have taken physiology courses in college and various fitness certification workshops/classes ... and read alot!!! I believe it is to everyone's advantage that they do read about these supplements the good and the bad.... especially ephedra/Ma Huang ( http://www.kcweb.com/herb/ephedra.htm ) http://www.ephedrafacts.com/

While executing any striking hand technique you always tighten/contract upon impact (even when striking a heavy bag) ... there is no power in the technique if ou just "fling" your hand to a target especially a board.... (this goes without saying I think)... Hand conditioning is imperative if you want to continue to break with less injuries. The hands are very fragile due to the lack of overlaying protective muscle. Heavy bag work and makiwara striking is very effective for hand conditioning. You can also use a linament before, during and afterwards .... I always rub tiger balm or a dit da jow and massage my knuckles after a break and the next day the pain isn't quite as bad. Yes, ice is very good also ... especially used after the break to lessen the swelling or possible swelling...

Yikes .... did I hit a nerve? Wasn't met as an attack on your credibility ... not at all. Sorry....I just found it necessary to disapprove of using Red Bull as a good source of energy.... not everyone is "clear" on use of "humor" around here.... (especially me it seems!!! ) Clearly I am not knowledgeable about anything... you can ask anyone around here ...

Way to go Mike! Pretty awesome feeling huh? (oh not the hurt hand ... I mean ) When I was a gold belt my first break was a single step-behind sidekick and then a hammerfist single board. We use 1-inch pine boards though. I'm up to 4-5 boards (depending on the break) ... and whether or not I use the "power board holder". To see some of the world records holders of breaking check this site out!!! http://www.recordholders.org/en/list/karate.html Some nice links on bottom of page too)

I'm surprised that (if you are part of the medical community) ...you aren't aware that Red Bull is "not good" for energy. In fact, it is banned in several countries and unfortunately the way that is advertised .... adversely effects the "younger" population who aren't aware of the potential dangers of the concentrated caffeine and taurine that it contains.. not to mention the high sugar content. Red Bull has been used as an alcohol mixer with either whiskey or vodka to heighten the effects of alcohol.... and then later used the next day as a hangover cure..... (.. this is what I hear anyway!! ) Here is the whole story http://www.safefoodonline.com/pdf/appendix_II_red_bull_public_concerns_trans_mgmt.pdf .... and in fact as I stated above.... there's no escaping the law of toxicology, which says....too much of anything even "Red Bull" can hurt you.

.... and sometimes it does not! (9 pages of discussion!!!) http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=177 ... this thread may want to be closed and discussion continued on this thread in Strategies/Tactics forum.

I guess you can say that... this "project" entitled "karate" is from Adam Zavala a 19-year old enrolled at Portland State University where he studies Graphic Design. This "project was done in his jr. year in college in web design class at school ... where they were "bored" and decided to "waste" time by taking a series of pics featuring Richard (the guy doing the "karate") Adam took the pics and wrote the story from the perspective of his friend Richard. so there you have it.... I signed Adam's guestbook and maybe he'll drop on by.... (so be kind!)

Aaaahchooo! thanks niel ... yes there is always a next time!!

I suppose you are referring to GM Rhee Ki Ha? Listen, Learn, .... take some pics to post!!! ... and don't forget to come back here and tell us about it!

Hey Laur ...keeping you in suspense am I??? I had 8 boards left at home so I came to class planning on doing the 6 board hammerfist and a 2 board hook kick... Well, when my instructor saw my "pile" of boards he asked me what I was planning on breaking with ... when I told him 6 board hammer fist .... he and said "You watch too much ESPN ma'am!" Everyone went "hoot" "hoot" and the cement blocks were set up. He suggested that use spacers ... but I never had before. I managed to break 4 out of the 6 ... the last 2 didn't break. Ok, (not an excuse but...) I can say that my wood wasn't that great. I like to personally find pine that is more wide-grained with less "knots". But I had these boards left over from previous test over the years. My instructor also observed that I "bounced" up before I came down on the boards. (I usually place a target bag below board setup so that I can forcefully come down onto ground with my knee bearing down with the hammerfist) Quality of Wood + Good Technique + Positive Mental Attitude = Successful Break!!!!

We here can make "digression" an 'art-form' ... ah "let's see" .... perhaps a new thread award for 2003??.... Anyway, I would maybe like to see this continue elsewhere (perhaps in General Chat) ... we can all "Fight Ignorance" between all of our countries ... and hopefully martial arts will follow Anyway, does it do any good if one is so close-minded .... I believe there first has to be an appreciation of both traditional and non-traditional/modern martial/fighting arts in order to begin to fight the ignorance that prevails.

Here is a link for you http://www.saunders999.fsnet.co.uk/kubotan/pages/law.htm Sorry but it happens to be illegal in the UK.... The kubotan happens to be the most common martial arts weapon in the US. I have a number of "objects" hanging from my keychain (for SD and in order to locate keys in my messy purse ) I also "know" how to use the kubotan so I suggest before anyone does purchase one that you learn the basics. Basic applications involve striking or jabbing vulnerable areas of the body. Swinging strikes work better on bony surfaces while fleshy areas are more susceptible to pokes and jabs with the ends of the kubotan. There is ne need to remember specific strikes for specific targets with just the baasics in mind you just have to remember to strike bones and jab nerve centers and pressure points. It really adds to the power of any striking martial art technique. There are a number of online stores where you can purchase kubotans (and techniques book) .... I ordered through http://www.kubotans.com/ real cheap ... and they do ship internationally. (if yo want to take your chances!!!)

Well you can choose to hang on for the long "haul" with the tried and true or look toward the future ... moving ahead toward technology. There has been a positive effect on the stocks of some alternative-energy suppliers with President Bush's comments regarding alternative energy during his State of the Union speech. The fuel cell sector could be the investment opportunity of the decade they say. Any fuel cell technology stock such as Plug Power, Ballard Power Systems and Hydrogenics.... Ballard, Hydrogenics and Plug Power which builds proton exchange membranes, or PEM, fuel-cell systems. Ballard makes fuel cells for the auto industry, and Plug develops cells for stationary applications. Hydrogenics dominates the fuel-cell testing. It is a high risk investment but the potential is good.

Halleleujiah!!!!! I'm with you on that one Ken!! Well here is a good place to post this fine thread! http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2716

Yep, stick with what you are confident with and where your technique excels .... Ken, I have my breaking class tonight and I am going to try for 5-6 with a hammerfist or downward elbow (no spacers) .... I too will see if I can get a pic to post. ... "Breaking practice allows you to hone your weapons to maximum effectiveness. As a practitioner of combative martial arts, one must forever strive to reach the goal of, "one strike, certain death."

Granted, I only instruct a (cardio) kickboxing class, but I do follow the same basic kb basics which is when you jab elbows are tucked in close to body to avoid irritation of the rotator and deltoid muscles which also adds to power in the punch. But also keeping your elbows close especially afer delivering the jab/punch protects your ribs. This is an "ok" site where you can move your mouse over pic to see jab video... http://seaford.abc.users.btopenworld.com/contents.htm Great articles here!! http://stickgrappler.tripod.com/kbox/kbox.html

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/096418270X/extremediscip-20/002-2926166-4695241 From what I have heard this video is a good source for learning how to master the SPEED BAG .... get the book also! Here is a quickie on speedbag http://www.ringside.com/video/pswb.mpg (check out the use of resistance tube/cable ... http://www.lifelineusa.com/images/products/large/4-PP-1.jpg ) and a good article to go along with it http://www.ringside.com/archives/coaches_corner/shadowboxing.htm

To prepare in case you're attacked by a shelving unit? .... and I don't have any use for chainsaws at my home!!! Seriously though, as Sai touched upon by breaking wood successfully I know that I can just as easily plow through someones ribcage. It's a total zen experience....

..... understand that I know that ramy was bs'ing (she was trying to "be" that way. We know her better that that!!! You know the more I read the title of this thread "Fighting Ignorance" ... the more I think about it... is it truly possible??? I mean there is alot of ignorance out there to battle!!! As a martial artist, you should always seek to self-improve. Learning about and from other styles is one way of growing within your own art.