GeoGiant

What empirical evidence is there for chi knockouts or for chi, for that matter? I’ve read article after article about chi (when I was younger I really wanted to believe) but at the end of the day all I had was self-validating statements that are offered in lieu of controlled scientific testing. I would be interested to hear why anyone would believe in chi. If chi is real, why can’t it be scientifically validated?

I would remove the patches. Would you wear your Coke jacket if you started to work for Pepsi?

First, with reference to profession, you are assuming that people understand the results (both long and short term) BEFORE they make their choice. Have you heard the phase, “if I only knew then what I know now…? If your assertion is true why would anybody pick a low paying unsatisfying job in a thriving economy? The more likely scenario is that a person’s circumstances and environment have played a larger role in their choices than a systematic analysis of cause and effect. The lack of options or education to understand the bigger picture is something you don’t appear to consider. Second, you are taking my statement and stretching to fit your into argument. I didn’t reference someone who “develops his or her physique beyond anything remotely natural”… I didn’t reference the extreme, you did and then you used your distortion of my words to make your point. Not all bodybuilders inject steroids to look un-nature. I suggest you search natural bodybuilding online. Maybe someone who lifts weights doesn’t like to run or participate in group sporting activities. Maybe some who has bone or muscle issues or someone who has rehabbed from an accident started to lift weights and found that it gave them adrenalin rush so they decided that would be their form of exercise. You are stating your opinion then you are telling others that they are wrong because their opinion doesn’t fit the mold of your opinion, hence some of the reaction you have received. All I did was challenge your opinion in the manner you challenged others… but rather than say you are wrong because I don’t believe it, I’ve said show me why you are right. For the record, you have yet to quantify anything other than to state “I believe”.

All I have asked for is the criteria you used to make your broad generalizations about runners & you have responded by telling me you don’t want to provide me with an answer (evading) and you think I’m very opinionated (attacking). Evading questions that relate directly to the hypothesis you have formulated is a defense mechanism to justify…? Attacking my position without discrediting my assertion is trying to bait me into a discussion of emotion – I won’t do that. Again I don’t respond out of hostility, I could sit in a pub and talk about this all night long I’m asking for concrete answers not out of defense but out of need to understand your thinking. If you state that runners are running from something, you are making a very broad generalization that applies to billions of people. A person may run for transportation. Another person may run because they have a medical issue like poor circulation and running help alleviate the problem. Another person may run to aid in weight control. Another person may run to aid their ability in other sports. I could give endless different examples of why someone chooses to run and those examples may not involve some deep physiological issue. I brought up the weightlifting scenario because if your generalization is correct, you should be able to apply it each person that “practices” something. For example, macadam covered roads are slippery when wet – is a very broad generalization but it is a generalization can apply to roadways throughout the world therefore it is a generalization that can be easy defended in a discussion. You see, if you make a declaration like I believe “X”, then you need to provide justification for that belief otherwise your just throwing around opinions. Einstein didn’t just say e=MC2, he provided justifcation. Truth be told, I can be opinionated but I haven’t really interjected opinions into this discussion For the record, asking me why I practice martial arts and asking me why I’m at war are 2 totally different things.

My first time didn't go too well but I'm glad others had a good experience.

Not to hijack the thread but reading your marathon experience made me think of mine - I hated it. It took me a long time to admit to myself that running was no longer fun for me. I felt like I was giving up if i stopped. Running did lead me martial arts which has been a great experience!

I guess that in the case of bench pressers in particular - they have something they want to get off their chest.... Sorry couldn't resist. Thank you for illustrating my point.

I'm not sure where you are located but most larger sporting good stores sell a gel substance that is used as opposed to an energy bar which may be difficult to eat while running. I have seen gel packets at the Sports Authority.

Congrats!

Wow, you really don't know...? Do you think runners train to flee from a situation? Do you think weight lifters train to move heavy objects off of themselves? No war here my friend. I train for personal satisfaction.

If you can run 9.5 miles then it doesn't sound like you need training advice. The best tip I can give - run the course before the race. Running the course first helped me immensely. I couldn't properly pace myself without knowing where the hills, other obstacles, etc, were located. Also, most races provide you with some type of monitoring device that will record the time you cross the starting & finishing lines so you have an official time. Unless you run at a 6 to 7 min pace, do not start up front! When the race starts there will be a surge of runners trying to get out in front.... for no reason. Just hang toward the back and let the runners thin out since your time will not start until you cross the starting line. Also, avoid the urge to start too fast! Better to start too slow and adjust your pace later. Most races mark distances off at certain intervals so you will have some assessment of how you feel vs. your pace.... also run with a watch to help you better assess you pace. Ok, that was more that one tip but I couldn't help myself.

Unfortunately the only way you will ever get comfortable being taken down is... being taken down. Pick someone that you feel has a lot of control and try to work with that person. Knowing that you will not be man-handled by your partner will help you relax and a relaxed body allows the move to flow. Working with the same person will also take some of the shock feeling out of going through the moves. When you work with different partners it allows you to get accustom to being grabbed in different way. By using the same partner you will have your shoulder, wrist, etc grabbed in the same manner. Whatever you do... don't stop trying.

Done

You know you're a martial artist when.... ...someone attempts to hand you pen & your first instinct is to block and step to the side.

As a person that trains in Karate & loves to watch UFC, I want to see solid competition. SPORTS will always evolve... there will always be those people that follow the flavor of the week and there will always be those people that stick with what worked in the past. I'm fine with watching either as long as I'm seeing top notch talent verses top notch talent.

I thought of this article tonight and I had to post something about it. Apparently I have made progress in being a good uke! Tonight after class Grandmaster pulled me aside and asked to be an uke for one of the brown belts that is testing for his high brown belt. I will be throwing 5 punches to the chest, then 5 stick attacks, then 5 knife attacks. I've worked with this brown belt before but Grandmaster had plenty of people to choose from. It felt good to know that Grandmaster recognized that I'm trying to be a good training partner for others.

Congratulations! Way to stay focused.

Hey now! Welcome.

If a misfortune adds to your fortitude then you've learned from that mistake. We will all experience misfortunes, not all of us will learn from these experiences.

If you have the resources, the moment you aren't happy.

John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. I read it while I was in college and I was blown away by the character development. This was the first book that I read and felt like I had an intimate knowledge of the characters. I went on to read everything Steinbeck ever wrote and I’d have to call him my favorite author. Because Steinbeck had so many reoccurring characters, reading was like connecting with old friends.

Now why can't i just say that.

Yeah, this is bit much. I understand someone showboating in the cage or someone jawing back & forth in the media but getting in a guys face after your side JUST lost is weak. Do your talking before the fight... ok. Do your talking in the cage.... expected. Do your talking right after a fight ends & it makes you look like a cry baby.

It seems to be getting better (i.e no dislocation or tear) & i have been protecting my shoulder by working with younger students. Everything I read says 5 to 10 days to heal. I will take your stretching advice - thanks! I want to start lifting weights again but I'm scared to. I do a lot of snatch n' grab lifts, dead-lifts above my head, bench press, and standing rows. I'm not sure how this injury is affected by these movements. Any thoughts. I'm sure lifting lighter helps but I hoping someone will know what movements / exercises to stay away from.