KickChick

Welcome to KarateForums ...

ok.... I see what you're saying now. Well, if when you were first starting, you were very good at throwing, than you know you can do it. Relax and don't get so stressed out about it!

Here is a very good article on "becoming a martial arts instructor"... http://www.aibudo.com/kyohan/becoming/becoming.html

You think its bad now...wait till you're my age! It's a daily struggle!! You just have to keep on... keeping on! Just never say that 4-letter word "can't"! Truly at times its more mental than physical when you're young and visa versa later on in life.

Hi there Noel and Welcome! Although flexibility is indeed a plus in the martial arts, it is not a prerequisite. You will eventually gain added flexibility when you train consistently. Good Luck to you and hope we can all offer you some help & guidance in your search!

http://www.stadion.com/pdf/free/flextest.pdf .... check out more threads here in the Health & Fitness forum regarding flexibility and "splits". But I have been able to do both full side and front splits with the help of Kurz's book. Check it out.... ... also stop by Introductions and tell us more about you! (your name scaresme! )

... do any of you have a favorite board or card game that you play? Is there a good game that you have found on the market that you want to tell us all about? Reason I ask is that ... well, winter has set in here in New England and when we get snowed in we usually play Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit (at both I'm pretty good at I might add...) other favs are Battleship, um ... Poker, Monopoly and Uno. My youngest is 8 and I just got through playing Scrabble in his secret clubhouse...(actually a closet/room underneath the main staircase in our house....at the moment I'm feeling very claustrophobic (I won!) shhhhh ....

Tell me about it! ... I believe Saturday Night Fever is on this weekend on tv ... (now that is my era! ) Do the hustle~~ .... the guys in the white suits & black shirts and we girls in the tight fitting jump suits and platform shoes.

.... I got sucked in during college and when I was a stay at home mom for several years....I don't know what it is I still watch one on occasion when I come home from work ... just because my wedding dress and headpiece was designed to be exactly as one of the actress's on the show (and that was 20 years ago!) Well, we both were married at the same time, and now she is in a nut house! I'm a little worried .... but at least she is still married to the same man after leaving him about 5 times, changing identities, having a baby from another guy, etc. etc. The spanish ones are pretty funny to watch when you can't understand a single word .... but my oh my are they pretty flamboyant

Well, I will try to go over some pros and cons of doing multiple sets and single sets (working the muscle to failure). Recent studies also suggest that multiple sets result in greater testosterone production than single sets ... (which you may be more concerned about than I ) But on the downside, multiple sets decrease training intensity and increase the recovery time needed between workouts which is true but one set/per exercise/ per workout does increase training intensity. But the downside to this too is that high intensity (by definition) means low volume. Okay, so using one set to failure has its pros (single sets allow for higher intensities compared to multiple sets) and the cons (?)... (the targeted motor units, although being used, are not exhausted due to the low number of sets). But using a large number of sets is a trade off too. You can completely exhaust a targeted muscle group yet the excessive volume requires a less intensity. So really you should make it a point to regularly change your training routines. so that you avoid adapting to the positive features of the program while avoiding too much of the negative elements. What I tend to do is alot of different of exercises which allows me to cover agreater percentage of muscle groups. This just happens to work for me. And I vary the types of different exercises on a regular basis. But then again when you do many exercises, you can't do a lot of sets.

Plain & Simple Caffeine King,.... You betcha! .... (is that why I have so many friends???)

Very good points H@pkid0ist. Each martial art has a very distinct history and outlook on combat .... defense & offensive techniques and usually have their own core philosophy. Combat techniques do vary among martial arts styles. Some teach that the attack is superior to the defense, while others teach the opposite. To say which is best or less effective in a streetfight is rather ridiculous IMO. The martial arts are just that ... combat arts. They are an art form that must constantly be practiced and perfected. Few martial arts are strictly limited to one method. In Karate for instance most kicks are kept below waist level, this does not mean ALL kicks are kept below waist level. It does not mean a student of Karate does not know how to throw his opponent either. Judo does not teach grappling alone. Martial art schools also vary in their teaching orientation. Some styles may teach students to 'survive on the streets' some may teach discipline and spiritual enlightenment. This does not mean that a student who goes to a 'spiritual' school will be helpless when faced with a thug on the streets. It all depends on the instructor and each instructor is different. A "streetwise" instructor is more likely to instruct about knife and gun defense. He or she may also teach several dirty but highly effective techniques before the student advances. The focus would be on surviving a life and death confrontation by all means available against an attacker which would involve one on one training with a partner. There are some schools that concentrate on honor, discipline, integrity. blah blah blah... Traditional instruction and being taught to 'mentally' adapt to a real street situation. This does not mean he orshe will not be able to adapt or will be inferior to a street survival taught student. It all depends on the student and the instructor. Remember the mental cabability is first and foremost. You may be physically prepared to fight, but if mentally unprepared to assume the combat consequences of yours and your attackers actions ...well then you will be ineffective.

"Hey ramymensa, did you hear the one about......" oops, sorry I'll wait until you're done chewing! eh, sometimes when we hear about others in worst situations than ourselves, our misfortunes really don't seem that bad now do they? Maybe that is why soap opera are so popular!! You're most welcome!

Hola Gheoss e Feliz Navidad!

Yes, exactly. This is can be explained by how strength is applied and used. By making a fist and using all of your muscle strength to keep your arm from being bent you are tightening the "big-bellied" muscles of the arm ... the biceps. When your partner applies pressure to your arm, it bends because the muscles you have engaged are not the muscles needed to resist the pressure on your arm but are the exact muscles that move your arm in the same direction as his pressure.... the biceps bend. What is comng into play is your unfamiliarity with the task at hand and the directive to "use all of your muscle." This sets you up actually by having you use the wrong muscles. Once you begin, you fail the task due to improper use of your strength. When you are told the "secret," ...you are to open your hand and relax and to extend your energy. This is the correct set up for the proper use of strength because it is in extending your arm that you engage your tricep muscles. Your arm can't be bent because you are using the tricep muscles that extend your arm. Make sense?? Proper use of strength by way of the triceps and body mechanics or ki/life energy??.

The hook happens to be my favorite "punch" (we girls can really make use of our hips to power this punch).... and actually the hook is my favorite hand technique for breaking boards. As Killer Miller posted, the hook is a lateral punch. The force of it travels along a horizontal plane in front of you parallel to the floor. To get maximum power the punch has to come from the body. Thats the hard part. Most people try to muscle the punch from the shoulder. Visualize where the punch needs to land. The hook targets the side of the head or the ribcage very nicely .

Most people would rather fit in your shoes but I understand that trying to gain weight can be just as difficult as trying to lose ... it is an adjustment that you have to make to your eating habits as well as your lifestyle. Diets do not work whether it is to gain or to lose. Eat larger portions (more servings) from all the food groups in the pyramid thingee http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/nutrit/hlthdiet/pyramid.html except for high fat foods like ice cream and fried food. Eating extra fat will help you put on weight, but it's not healthy. Don't limit yourself to three meals a day (the more meals the better ... up to six!). Eat healthy snacks throughout the day. Save room for the most nutritious foods. Filling up on foods that have few nutrients, like diet soda or candy, won't help you reach a healthy weight. You do need to ask your doctor/nutritionist for advice. He or she can help you figure out why you are underweight and make some suggestions that are right for you. I know, I know .. but as a teen it is important for you to develop healthy eating habits .... now!

All this talk here (especially around this holiday time of year) about trying to lose weight has triggered a question. How many of you (on a regular basis) weigh yourselves with the use of a scale. I try never to weigh myself (except when I have to hop on that awful metal bar sliding type at the doctor's office every year!). Just a reminder to those of you who do make it a point to gauge your weight loss or gains by using a scale.... A cubic inch of muscle weighs more than a cubic inch of fat. Therefore as you lose inches you may not lose weight if you are building muscle at the same time. In fact it is possible to lose inches and still be gaining weight! This is why fitness and success is not solely measured on the bathroom scale! I measure it by how well my favorite pair of jeans feel . ... and now for some personal tips that I used to use (when I had a scale!) 1. Weigh yourself with clothes on, after dinner... as well as in the morning, without clothes, before breakfast, because it's nice to see how much weight you've lost overnight. 2. Never weigh yourself with wet hair. 3. When weighing, remove everything, including glasses. In this case, blurred vision is an asset. Don't forget the earrings, these things can weigh at least a pound. 4. Use cheap scales only, never the medical kind, because they are always five pounds off...to your advantage. 5. Always go to the bathroom first. 6. Stand with arms raised, making pressure on the scale lighter. 7. Don't eat or drink in the morning until AFTER you've weighed in, completely naked, of course. 8. Weigh yourself after a haircut, this is good for at least half a pound of hair (hopefully). 9. Exhale with all your might BEFORE stepping onto the scale (air has to weigh something, right?). 10. Start out with just one foot on the scale, then holding onto the towel rack in front of you, slowly edge your other foot on and slowly let off of the rack. Admittedly, this takes time, but it's worth it. You will weigh at least two pounds less than if you'd stepped on normally

Try this (not video) but a shockwave ... has the other ki "tricks" also http://www.bodymindandmodem.com/CoolKi/CoolKi.html

This is a classic ki feat used by most all instructors where someone tries to bend their arm when it's stiff, and succeeds. But when their arm is very relaxed, it becomes impossible to bend. Its been an effective way to introduce students to ki. Hold your arm out horizontally with just a slight bend at the elbow, make a fist, and tighten all the muscles in your arm. Now have someone put one hand on top of your elbow, and the other hand under your wrist and try to bend your arm. He or she will probably be successful. Now, hold your arm out again and relax all the muscles in your arm, letting the wrist hang loosely, using just enough muscle to keep your arm in the air. Look ahead in the direction your arm is pointing and mentally extend your arm outward for hundreds of feet, imagine reaching and touching a distant object. Maintain this focus and the person try to bend your arm again. This time he or she will not be successful. You need to practice this slowly with a friend and build your confidence. Different visualizations work better for different people. As was mentioned, try thinking of your arm as a fire hose.... or think of yourself as being extremely thirsty and reaching across the room for a cold drink. Do not make your arm completely straight keep a slight bend in your elbow and orient your arm so that the thumb side of your hand is up. Your partner should bend the arm upwards not downwards. Do not be distracted by by your partner bending your arm. Just keep your eyes forward and maintain your image of the arm being very long. So thats ki?? There are other "feats" like immovable body, finger circle and kneeling push too.

Granted, this is your opinion.... and what "style" of TKD are you referring to? Many TKD instruction does include grappling and full contact sparring and every TKD stylist knows not to get "too cute" when in a defense situation such as a streetfight. While high, spinning, "flashy" kicks are part of the TKD arsenal, they are not necessarily recommended for self-defense purposes ) again your opinion, I disagree. TKD is based on body mechanics and physics. Do we not have mental focus either? Here I agree with you. You do need to use your own style in a different way on the street! I have also taken some simple self defense classes in addition to my TKD training. I personally feel it is very important to be streetwise (rape, muggings, car jacking etc etc.) Some schools teach different versions self-defense. Some teach techniques that only work against a cooperative opponent, such as some release moves. Some teach techniques that, even if used in self-defense, would be unlawful acts, such as multiple strikes after the attacker is incapacitated. Some teach techniques with elaborate movements that would be tantamount to suicide if used in an actual self-defense situation. Thing is, its not how many different techniques you know, it is about how well you perform each one.

Basically what I believe Neil is asking is whether it is better to perform exercises fast to develop fast twitch muscles or to perform slow... and exactly what type of exercises to do?? Plyometric exercise and weight training can be combined to maximise the use of fast twitch muscles and to develop more explosive power. The answer is .... by performing fast movements you increase the percentage of fast twitch fibers and decrease the percentage of slow twitch fibers. Fast twitch fibers are used when you lift an extremely heavy weight. They also "take over" when slow twitch fibers become fatigued. But, fast twitch fibers are also used during high-speed trained movements that use lighter weights. You can increase in the percent of fast twitch muscle fibers by doing fast eccentric movements (eccentric is the "lowering" part of a weight exercise). Although high-speed eccentric training can stimulate muscle adaptation, there is a high risk of injury. I would say it is safer to lift fast during the "lifting", rather than the "lowering" part of an exercise. Fast twitch muscle fibers are those that contract quickly, require anaerobic (with out oxygen) energy metabolism of carbs and are used during speed and power activities. Slow twitch muscle fibers are the opposite. These muscle fibers gets their energy aerobically (with oxygen) , and can use both carbs and fat in steady state endurance. Plyometrics are extremely beneficial for training fast twitch muscles. Believe it or not there are tests that can be done (muscle biopsy) to determine your ratio of fast & slow twitch muscles but they are expensive and a little painful. The percentage of both types of muscle fibers you have is genetic, but the majority of "average"people have about an equal amount.

Whether that school you are attending is a "true" mcdojo or not is irrelevant now.... youre unhappy with the quality of instruction (there are bad schools out there!) and now the lesson.....You live and learn Laur! Many schools try to get you to sign a long term, legally binding contract the minute you enroll, such as what happened in your case. It is wiser to find a school which will let you simply pay monthly with no contract if possible in case you eventually decide to, or have to cease training at the school. If you sign a contract, you are legally obligated to continue making monthly payments for the term of the contract, whether you continue training or not! All of these next questions should be answered, written or appear somewhere in a document and signed by the proper rep of the school. You should refrain from signing any contract until then. What happens if I am injured and cannot train? What happens if I cannot afford payments due to loss of income? Are there any circumstances in which the contract can be void? What happens if the school closes or moves to another location? Contracts will "stick it to you," by enforcing payment terms of the contract should you wish to be "out" of it for whatever reason. However, there are many legitimate uses of contracts by martial arts schools. They can reduce costs for the instructor and free him from tedious billing issues that can distract him from teaching. Don't let the option of a contract dissuade you from any particular school but be wary of schools that require a contract (and will not give you a month-to-month option) or contracts that guarantee "black belt" within a given time frame. Good luck with that other school. I do hope it is like mine! Remember: Some "red flags" to look for.... schools that require you to buy only their branded uniforms and gear, require you to sign long contracts, have no "move refund" option in their contract, or high-pressure sales pitches. If it feels like you're buying a used car and the salesman insists you sign the contract now, smile politely and head for the door!!!. Everybody begins a journey with great enthusiasm, but few foresee the potholes in the road ahead. Good Luck kiddo!

There are scales and hand held devices available today that have a body fat analyzer which utilizes BIA... Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, for measuring body fat percentage. A tiny electrical current is applied through your body when your thumbs are pressed against the two measuring electrodes or when you step onto the scale barefooted. This harmless electrical current is used to precisely measure your body impedance or resistance and which can be used to compute your body fat percentage. The result is usually displayed on a LCD screen. BIA technology is based on the fact that body fat and muscle have different resistance when a small electrical current is applied. The higher percent of fat, the higher resistance... and vice versa, the higher percent of muscle(which contains mostly of water), the lesser of resistance. By combining the result from measuring a person's body resistance, weight and height, a BIA device can accurately and consistently estimate your body fat percentage. The accuracy of BIA measurement is within 5 percent of DEXA measurements. DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is one of the most accurate method for measuring body fat percentage and is found in most clinical hospitals. This site might help you .... http://www.new-fitness.com/body_fat_measuring.html

I'm lovin' this thread... I would have to say for me my "strength" has definitely increased. I was a pretty scrawny weakling as a teen and into my 20's ... in my 30's, after having children, my strength began to increase. I did take several morning strength training/fitness classes to get my body back to normal. My first born was 10 pounds when he was born so by 2 years old it was like a "weight training" routine carrying him on a daily basis. By then I had another almost 9 pound baby so... I developed upper body strength quickly (never mind hips like an amazon woman!! ) At 32 I started TKD and was able to focus and direct that strength. I started to actively train my body to develop the lower body strength which I seemed to be lacking and to work on my flexibility. Since women generally have more lower body strength than men, it was easy for me to achieve the lower body strength required for TKD kicks by training consistently. So at this age what has decreased? The ability to bounce back after an injury and I bruise more. But most importantly my speed has decreased. That is next on my training agenda .