FortuneCookie

Wow! He must be really talented! Who cares about the black belt? It is about skill, and being able to defeat your instructor by training by yourself is simply amazing! The other possibility, a highly likely one, is that he joined a total McDojo. And the blackbelts he challanged were originated from that dojo. He should challenge blackbelts of other respected (non-American if you let me) schools, to see if his achievements really mean something. Reading your story, I think he lives in an area with low level schools. There are several of organisations who are qualified for handing out blackbelts for particular sports. I assume these organisations follow the same criteria for judging one others skill. However, he made his own (nowhere else recognized) sport. So why shouldn't he be allowed to create his own belt system? Also I disagree with the poll, we are not able to judge whether he deserves or do not deserves his belt. It seems unlikely that he will graduate for a black belt exam hosted by a respected and qualified organisation for any form of Karate, those judges are the ones to decide, we do not know him. And for the rest, he obtains a belt in his own created sport, why make a big deal out of it?

Thanks! Are there more techniques I should know off?

Dear members of the forum, I have a strong desire to start training Shaolin. Preferably in a good environment with masters. I do not think this can be found in Holland (if so, please let me know!) My dad and I agreed that I should spend the summer vacation on practicing Marshall Arts. Are there any Shaolin training opportunities in the summer. Are there open Monasteries, dojos or other Shaolin training environments? Also, will they allow foreign students do these monks/guides/trainers speak English next to their native language? Thank you for your time! FortuneCookie

I doubt that last one. Sambo was one of the only legal arts in the Sovjet Union. It was the official replacement of the other arts.

This! I disagree with the part that you have an option to keep training there, get out inmediatly and preferably by papers so there would be no last contact nor possibility of rape. Most important part: Share this with your partner, you don't want this to ruin your relationship or trust.

Great topic! I struggled with this myself to! Be glad that you have this position. The others aren't important, the only important thing is your improvement! Keep that in mind!

I have the same question. Are there any (intensive) Shaolin training oppertunities for the Summervacation? Ofcourse preferably in an Monastery . If somebody could reccomend me one that would be very nice!

Thank you Sojobo! I'll take a look at it!

Having an off period is in my case a period in which I rediscover the sport. It's a part of growing in Martial Arts, just keep on training. You will come out more strong!

I'm from Holland. Don't mind traveling tough, even if it is far like Japan or something.

Thanks, Is taking your foot in your hand while sitting and fully stretch your leg a good exercise to gain more flexibility?

Dear members, Are there any (non-youth) karate summercamps? I am sixteen years old, I think it could be usefull before trying to get my black belt. Cheers, FortuneCookie

Dear members of the forum, With proper hip use, I can fully stretch my leg if I kick low. However, when I get higher, I can't fully stretch my leg. Is it normal to be unable to fully strecht your leg at certain heights? To me it seems like a fully strechted kick is more powerfull. Any tips on this subject? Thanks, FortuneCookie

In sparring I try to manipulate my opponent durring battle. Making fake moves, or keep hitting on one spot for a while so he'll focus on that spot mostly, then I fully hit somewhere else where it is open so I got the benefit of the unexpected . I try to exploit and create vulnerabilities. If I notice a spot my opponent has weak defence or if I notice he's open at some spots during a particular attack, I focus on that spot and hit it when I have the change. Another form of manipulation is to calculate his reaction on a certain move. Also I tend to focus on bringing my opponent out of balance by keep aiming at the front feet. If your opponent is out of balance it needs some time to recover, which you are obviously not going to give to him. While he is recovering you can come in with full power. Also I try to remain distance by doing alot of kicks (anywhere) with my front foot. With cliching I focus on hitting continueosly on the liver. It is also important to know your opponent, if he fears you you can be way more attacking because the change is less he will try to seriously hit you back. If this is not the case I start with defending. Also I am observing my the technique of the opponent and the vulnerabilities. Also attacking cost more energy, if the opponent is not in a very good shape you can try to get him tired first and then go in full attack mode. In fights I try to distract my opponent for a second by a) bringing him out of balance or b) hit softly under his chin with your foot. During his recovery time you come full in and hit on the face full power. Then grab his head and give him three knees on it, dont forget to also shake is head up and down while doing that, if his head goes down while your knee goes up you have full momentum. Note: I have never been in a serious enough fight to use this fighting strategy, it's only theory and preperation.

Isn't first degree the black belt? I think you mean your second degree.