KickChick

One thing that I have been working on for several months now (besides my forward/side splits) is pelvic alignment. Having your pelvis aligned in a proper natural position is important for balance, correct posture, proper operation of the body, and efficiency of movement. Many people do not have this correct alignment. They may have one leg slightly longer than the other, curvature of the spine, or something as simple as a sore spot in their lower back that causes them to compensate by favoring one side or the other and taking the hips out of proper position. One thing every martial artist must work on is to train each side equally! (we all tend to favor either our right or left!) A mis aligned pelvis also may lead to poor blood circulation and put pressure on the central nervous system. As your body interprets the discomfort of the mis aligned pelvis, it sends messages to your brain that affect your mental outlook. You are more likely to be nervous about pain or injuries. This is also an underlying factor that Tom Kurz mentions in his book "Stretching Scientifically"... that precludes many of us from doing 'perfect' splits.... (it's all in your mind, believe it or not...well, besides the physical too!) Fortunately, pelvic alignment can be corrected. If the mind is tense, it is impossible to relax the muscles, joints and ligaments. So start with breathing exercises to ease any stress. Breathe out slowly until all the air is squeezed out of your body, starting this breath in the chest and working down into the abdomen to squeeze out the last of the exhale. Then inhale in the reverse order, starting with the abdomen and filling the chest last. Imagine you are breathing in through the bottoms of your feet, the air is working its way through your body then exiting back out through the bottoms of your feet as you exhale. Once you have reached a higher state of relaxation, you can move to a series of stretches and exercises that will help loosen and strengthen the muscles, joints and ligaments of the pelvis and in turn bring it to a more natural position. Some stretches: Sit on the floor with your feet extended. Secure an elastic band(resistance tubing), or something similar around a heavy object or have a partner hold the other end. Set the band so its tension helps pull your chest down toward your legs as you push your heels forward at the same time. Relax. Don't try to pull yourself down. Let the band do the work for you. While you are stretching use the breathing exercise we discussed earlier. Next use the elastic band in a similar manner while bringing your feet together and in close to your pelvis in the butterfly position. Then try the same feeling to stretch with both legs spread in the splits. Some exercises: Lay on your back with your hands tucked below your hips and your knees bent. Roll the knees from one side to the other. Keep your shoulders relaxed in order to begin every movement with the hips. Take the elastic band and wrap it around yourself just below the top of the hips. Make the band snug. This will help focus your mental attention to the muscle action in this area. Now stand with your feet about shoulder width. Cross your arms and relax your shoulders. Make slight tension in your lower abdominal muscles and pull your hips forward, flattening the lumbar curve in your lower back and straightening the spine. Grip the floor with your big toes, planting your heels firmly in place. Making this connection with the floor will send nerve impulses up the legs to the pelvic region you are trying to strengthen. Now rotate the hips from side to side making sure to keep your body center as the axis of this rotation. Your head should remain still as the body rotates beneath it. Start out with about 10 minutes of this exercise and try to slowly build your endurance. As this rotation becomes easier, you can adapt it to a short front stance, working one side then the other. Also use this 'contraction' while you are doing your push ups. Make the muscular connection with your lower abdomen with each count. The pelvis is rolled forward and the buttock muscles are squeezed tight. Don't just use the arms and shoulders. In this way you will get the most out of each push up. These stretches and exercises are designed to adjust your pelvis into proper position. Please try them. With poor pelvic positioning, movements are often forced and ineffective. Making this adjustment will give you a more solid foundation and help your movements become fluid and natural. And this is where your martial art becomes more than steps, blocks, punches and kicks. This is where it becomes 'art'. The overall point here is that our bodies are very important. If our muscles, ligaments and joints are strong, they will help everything we do in our training just like a good engine, chassis and tires work together to improve the performance of a fine automobile. The training exercises I described here help all three of these areas.

I'm sure Patrick will clarify Congrats to KarateForums!

Just as in the old children's saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me," words, no matter how offensive, usually do not warrant an attack to which you may physically defend yourself. A few states do permit defense against offensive words if they are used against a woman. US law permits a person to defend him/herself, but a person may also defend another person or persons. The other persons may be family, loved ones, friends, or even complete strangers. Most US states permit a person to defend another person with all the force that the other person would be allowed to reasonably use in his/her own defense. When determining the reasonableness of the force used, the law will look to any non-violent alternatives, if any, available to the defender at the time of the incident. Non-violent alternatives may include such things as yielding to the assailant's verbal insults, backing away from a fight, refusing to engage in mutual combat, or other somewhat humbling actions. Some states permit a defender to "stand his/her ground" and not yield to an assailant. A martial arts practitioner should always do everything possible to avoid a confrontation. If a person enters a violent self-defense situation he/she could have reasonably avoided, the courts may hold the person legally responsible. ________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-03 08:45 ]

Dynamic stretching involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both. Do not confuse dynamic stretching with ballistic stretching! Dynamic stretching consists of controlled leg and arm swings that take you (gently!) to the limits of your range of motion. Ballistic stretches involve trying to force a part of the body beyond its range of motion. In dynamic stretches, there are no bounces or "jerky" movements. An example of dynamic stretching would be slow, controlled leg swings, arm swings, or torso twists. Passive stretching is also referred to as relaxed stretching, and as static-passive stretching. A passive stretch is one where you assume a position and hold it with some other part of your body, or with the assistance of a partner or some other apparatus. For example, bringing your leg up high and then holding it there with your hand. The splits is an example of a passive stretch (in this case the floor is the "apparatus" that you use to maintain your extended position). Many people use the term "passive stretching" and "static stretching" interchangeably. However, there are a number of people who make a distinction between the two. Static stretching consists of stretching a muscle (or group of muscles) to its farthest point and then maintaining or holding that position, where as passive stretching consists of a relaxed person who is relaxed (passive) while some external force (either a person or an apparatus) brings the joint through its range of motion. Isometric stretching is a type of static stretching (meaning it does not use motion) which involves the resistance of muscle groups through isometric contractions (tensing) of the stretched muscles (see section Types of Muscle Contractions). The use of isometric stretching is one of the fastest ways to develop increased static-passive flexibility and is much more effective than either passive stretching or active stretching alone. Isometric stretches also help to develop strength in the "tensed" muscles (which helps to develop static-active flexibility), and seems to decrease the amount of pain usually associated with stretching. _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-02 21:19 ]

... I am biting my tongue at the moment ... so much to say, rather not! It all boils down to RESPECT You either earn it "girls" or "guys" in order to get it. On the contrary, Men aren't turned off by me because I am a martial artist ... they respect me for what I am. ... is it because I've earned it or because I flex my muscles

Welcome to KarateForums G95champ .. glad you discovered us!

...Welcome to KarateForums ... it's all in the family with me also KP!

The ITF, founded by General Choi, is considered as being more traditional in style than the WTF. The ITF focuses more on poomse, wheras the WTF focuses more on sparring. Although the ITF does practice sparring, it only utilizes the semi-contact part, while WTF is more full-contact. Because the WTF puts so much emphasis on sparring, many people consider WTF as being more of a sport than an art. The poomses of ITF and WTF are also different, the ITF using forms (Tuls) developed by General Choi, and the WTF concentrating on the Palgwes and TaeKeuks. There is a lack of respect these days due to too much emphasis on just sparring in many of the WTF schools. Haven't heard of any gossip regarding "father & son".... _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-02 09:18 ]

The issue of practicing "karate" with or without shoes is a simple one to explain. Karate is traditionally performed bare footed. There are at least two important reasons why. The first revolves around care and maintenance of the mat surfaces. Street shoes damage our practice mats through abrasion. In addition there is no telling what lurks on the bottom of street shoes, even if they appear clean. Things like glass, dung, chewing gum and the like easily escape detection to end up on the practice mats. But yes, there are those "karate-shoes" available now that you can carry into class. The second reason is safety. Shoes increase the potential for injury to your partner or opponent when worn while practicing or competing. These "karate-shoes" are very light weight and should pose no injuries. Exceptions are made for injuries or infections. To ruin your pedicure or to avoid calluses is not a reason. Removing shoes before entering dojang floor is also a sign of respect. But I do believe that classes should be given outside on occasion ... and routines/drills done in street shoes. This will help students get an idea of what it will be like to have to move and kick on surfaces other then a dojang floor. You instill a better sense of balance then training on a normal dojang floor.

Happy April Fools Day .... http://aolsvc.aol.infoplease.com/spot/aprilfools1.html

.. is that why we put a lime in the bottle ??? _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 20:11 ]

Here ya go! http://www.martialinfo.com/photos/gallery/view.asp?cat=2 Keep clicking "next page" ... awesome split kicks!! ... oh, and that's not me on top of page! heehee .... have fun guys! Lots of celeb pics here too .... KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 14:37 ]

Has anyone seen this yet? Reviews & comments please! http://www.blade2.com #1 at the movies now ... with a draw of over 33 million dollars _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 14:13 ] [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 14:16 ]

Well (talking about break ups).... there is this story that maybe not too many of you people know about .... it does have a good moral to the story. In American Kenpo Ed Parker limited the wearing of black gi's to Instructors Only! But this was not true of many of his Rich and Famous private students. Both Elvis Presley and his wife, Priscilla, were private students of Ed Parker and both by preference wore black uniforms for their private lessons. As fate would have it, Ed Parker went to Hawaii on vacation which left Priscilla with no private lessons from Ed. Because Priscilla wanted to work out and continue training during Ed's vacation, she decided to attend a "class" run by one of Ed Parker's senior students. When Priscilla showed up for class the Senior Instructor was caught off guard. Only Instructors were allowed to wear black gi's - but this was not an ordinary student: this was the wife of the "King". So he chose to say nothing. But the next day he phoned Ed In Hawaii to voice his concern about a "student" wearing a black gi. The instructor then asked Ed what he should do about it. Ed told him to "to use his own discretion" in the matter. The next time Priscilla arrived for class, she was informed that she could not attend class wearing a black uniform, that it was reserved exclusively for instructors. Priscilla was then told that she was more than welcome to attend the class if she wore a white uniform. Priscilla had two choices (actually three): (1) don't attend the Class; (2) get a white uniform and come "crawling back;" (3) never take another private lesson from Ed Parker again. While Elvis would continue to have a close relationship with Ed and continue his training, Priscilla and Ed were now at odds. Because of the Black Gi, fate would now rear its ugly head. Priscilla wanted to continue training and at the same time get back at Ed Parker. She then contacted Chuck Norris for lessons and through Chuck met Mike Stone, who became her private karate instructor. The rest is history. Priscilla then started seeing Mike Stone on the sly and one day she simply left 'The King" - Elvis - and started living with Mike Stone. And the end result was the divorce of Elvis and Priscilla. Elvis Presley died in 1977. Had it not been for that incident over the Black Uniform, Priscilla might have ended up a grieving widow rather than going through a very nasty divorce. "Hell hath no fury . . ." After the death of Elvis, Priscilla arranged for a private plane to take his friends from California to the funeral in Memphis. There were only two people Priscilla would not allow on the plane: Elvis's current girlfriend and Ed Parker! Moral: You can be as unyielding as the mighty oak tree against the raging winds and be torn up by your roots ... or you can be as the willow tree and bend with the wind.

Go to http://www.karateforums.com/forums/search.php Put in "dynamic stretching" or "stretching" and read all the posts. You may find some tips here! Those aren't my pics and I can send you a link if you want with plenty more awesome kick pics!

what Jack said ! Not enough to just have the flexibility ... you also need muscle control and strength!

This guy's got an awesome form ... notice how he is not leaning too far back. Hope he doesn't mind me posting this pic here Now this is why we strive to do those splits!!! Practice your stretching!! Like this ... http://www.stadion.com/gif/TKsplit.jpg _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 10:14 ] [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 10:15 ]

What like this? http://www.martialinfo.com/photos/kicks/JEANREDKICK.jpg PRACTICE!!!!!!!! _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 09:05 ]

All I can say is that ...Rhee is the most common family name in Korea, yes there is many more and chances are there isn't any correlation to them all!

WOW .... Can Connecticut Girls play basketball or what??? University of Connecticut Huskies Girls Basketball .... UNDEFEATED!!!! 38-0 http://www.geocities.com/larrymorgenweck/ and http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-000022786mar30.column?coll=la-utilities-sports _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 07:54 ]

Meow!!! CAT FIGHT!! .... too bad I didn't get into MA sooner... I woulda been awesome back then! .... (yes, I usually won!) anyway, that was years ago ... 16!! 27 years later ... and my husband still hates it when I fight (especially when trying to have a nice romantic candlelit dinner!) J/K!!!

I'm sure he spreads it out throught the course of the day Che Guevara ... thus replenishing his hydration once "lost".

ah ... 1st beer at 16!! ... that must explain what is happening to me after 27 years! Remember -- anything in excess is bad for you! _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 04:25 ] [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 04:26 ]

_________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-04-01 04:15 ]