CTpizzaboy

Nice post ZR. There many reasons why I decided to take martial arts: some in part was to meet new people, I had just move to a new city. But then I found out, karate was the thing that I was good in and that I can excel. So I bought books, tons of them, subsribed to Black Belt magazine, just to better my ability and beat the next guy at tournaments. Now my priorities have changed, girls mostly, and I don't have that much money to spend on MA practice. I don't take karate anymore. I have join a gym, and been working out. I do go back to the dojo just to visit Sensei.

This scenario is very unlikely. First off, criminals are opportunist. They wouldn't just stand around a corner and rob anyone that comes around. Second, is this in a bad neighborhood? If so, be more alert or don't get yourself in this situation in the first place. I can go on and on, but I dont have time.

Good post guy who fights. Heres something else; there are three lines of defense: foot movement, bobing and weaving, and blocking. Practice.

I saw the picture of the kick. I dont see how that would actually work in real life street situation. Its very unlikely that anyone will just punch you with only a jab. In a fight, everything is happening so fast that I dont see how that kick will work.

No one mention on-step sparring(mainly for beginners), which incorparates the newly learned punches and kicks, blocking and distance.

First, you need to do the technique right, speed and accuracy comes later. To improve, you need a heavy bag, patience, and alot of hard work.

It seems you know more than you're letting out. Low reps(6-, high intensity.

um... good luck

I had read about his death in Inside Kungfu. Alex Gong was maybe the greatest mauythai kickboxer around. Its a shame to hear him die over something that is so insignificant. He got shot when he tried to reach in the culprits car to turn-off the ignition. If I was in his place, I would have gotten his license plate and ran to the nearest phone to call the police. And my car, I'll just get my insurance company to pay for it.

If you are a beginner, I wouldn't suggest doing a side kick slowly because thats really tough to do and for a beginner that can be discouraging. However, do it in steps like Champ suggested. A good side is in your chamber and hip twist on contact.

You can train alone at some degree. While hitting and kicking a heavy bag will make you faster and stonger, you will never get to the next level by hitting a heavy bag alone. You need a partner to practice on your fighting skills and learn how to take a hit.

You should not start on weights, especially dumbells since you can hurt yourself by doing the technique wrong, until you have gotten a fews months going basic crunches and pushups. Pushups will help your upper back, and their are alot of post on that subject. For the lower back, do chin-ups, or punch a heavy bag everyday for 30 mins.

Its a powerfull punch but you have to set it up.

You must train your mind first, before you can ever train your body. In other words, you must comprehend what you're about to do before you can do it effectively. And in the martial arts, effectiveness is everything. ---You chose who you are.

Stretch or die. When doing anything repetitive (lifting weights, running, punching, kicking) you must stretch. Its just common sense; which can help, especially if you ever decide to live to 70.