MasterPain

None. It is up to the parents to look into, so don't assume someone is okay just because they teach.

Umm... If you manage not to kill yourselves, you could do this for years and still get completely owned by any legit BJJ blue belt on the planet. Also, those sport rules you mentioned, they are there so no one gets seriously hurt. Most stuff that is against sporting rules should be trained at lower speed, in an alive but controlled and non competitive manner. You need proper instruction. Nothing good comes from a bunch of untrained high school boys trying to trying to dominate one another without supervision.

Worked some half guard and butterfly guard sweeps today, then free rolled for a bit. Actually had a couple big guys to play with, so that was a fun change. Tomorrow will be clubbing, stabbing and disarming, I think.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Elasticsteel/videos Watch some of these. The guy is pretty incredible.

Good workout. I got Jujitsu-ed by mobile type people.

I think a training partner is an absolute necessity for learning to fight. Imagine a first surgery being performed by someone who had never even cut into a cadaver.

Given the fact that UFC is at the forefront of the public view of the martial lifestyle, I wish there were more fighters like GSP. Other than some people's taboo on fighting for a prize, he exemplifies what it means to be a fighter and a gentleman. In my opinion, that public exposure is good for all martial artists.

I don't know. I know guys who train very hard to fight in MMA. They may not continue to train after their competition years are over. I train for self-defense, as a hobby, and because it's become very much a part of who I am and how I define myself. Our reasons and goals are not the same, but I would never condescend on their validity as a martial artist.

Is there a rule against full contact competition? Could one not compete while maintaining a spirit of peace and harmony? Or are you going by the fact that, sadly, many who compete do not? That would be mistaking coralation with causation.

You mean Diamond Dave?! I'd love to meet that guy.

Sounds like a great time.

What's the kanji mean? To the OP, this may be a case of a bad bartender leading you to believe that Jack Daniels is watered down whiskey.

Some of my favorite beatings have been by guys around your age. Even after you advance past beating people up age, the knowledge should be a draw for good students. I wouldn't want to teach anyone who doesn't want to learn from an experienced coach, but we are not a commercial martial arts school, so take that for what it is- the opinion of someone who doesn't want to bother with most people.

While you were busy with your training, i was training real life scenerio's by having Sensei Walk pull a live blade on me during Liverpunch's wedding reception. GOOD TIMES!!! I love the fact that we all act like a bunch of heathens in church until you come in and announce that Tim Walk's here and we need to behave ourselves.

Oh, really? Sorry, then, I guess.

Everyone else is just awful, and should be ashamed.

Just don't forget to yell at them.

I like blunt and bladed instruments. Oh, and boomsticks.

How about "Ugggh" and "Ooof" Usually said while grappling a large person who has good top game.

Stance and punching technique that clean has to be trained. The stacking of the other guys seems to be common sense, but it was very well executed.

We yell Sgt Hartman quotes at each other... Still about pushing and enduring, but more colorful. GET OFF OF MY OBSTACLE!

Several years back, I did a playthrough of Final Fantasy VII in horse stance. Took a couple months. Not sure how traditional that is, but I had a great side kick back then.

I have a friend who teaches about that far from me. I go to my main school on a regular basis, and occasionally go visit his when I have free time and the energy to do so. An occasional class with Matt Serra could go a long way as a supplement to your home school. Patience is good and all, but ultimately, if you're not getting the type of training you want, I'd suggest trying to get to Matt's gym a couple times a week, buying a heavy bag, and supplement your training with it at home the rest of the week. Karate is not for everyone. Neither is MMA, TKD, JKD, Aikido, or any other art. If you're not into kata, then you probably need to choose another art.

I doubt it's as easy to seriously injure someone as you think. We are not all glass cannons. Besides that, you said you'd only been training there for about 6 months, and had not done much more that kata and set drills. This means you have not yet got to the stage where you can expect to use it reliable against 1 person. I've trained for 20 years, and with a gang, I'd run if I could, and move on to weapons if I couldn't. Even then, I'd expect to be hurt. Point is, never allow yourself to think that you are more dangerous than a group of idiots. As far as legality, look up your state's self defense law, and study it. As a general rule, if you try to flee, can't flee, cause only as much harm as needed to get away, then flee, you are fine. If you don't really hurt anyone, you can most likely calmly tell police what happened and not be arrested. If you do have to seriously hurt someone, you likely will be arrested. Simply tell them that you want legal counsel before making a statement. And you should be fine. Once again. Study your state's law.

Just keep working on it, and don't worry how you compare to other people.