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So you practice punching with a full twist because thats the way they do it in Uechi Ryu even when you know its not the best way??

Pinning there head down doesnt automatically mean you will "win". Assuming we are talking about self defence situations it may give you the chance to escape or continue with other attacks.

In basic terms you have 2 options. 1. Pull your leg back and out of their grasp(if possible). or.. 2. Get close to them as soon as possible and go from there. Possibly strike them or grab there hands etc.

Thanks for the links.

Simple way to get better, Practice... have fun.

Thats an impressive list... go with that.

Very good question, im interested to see what everyone says about this. But for me I dont consider different forms of martial arts as modern or traditional. i just take them for what they are.

Obviously there is more to it. Notice i said "basically".

Like everyone else has said, 23 is not to late to start and keep in mind you can always improve even if its just a little bit.

I think you should talk to the instructor before you start taking lessons. He/she may be able to teach you techniques that dont involve hurting your own back.

I think there will always be people who find the traditional martial arts appealing. Weather they want a hobby, fitness, fun, or a means of self defence that involves more than just 1-2 punches. And in a few years time all the 'modern' martial arts will be seen as traditional to because more and more people will be doing them.

I think you should focus more on how NOT to get hit rather than takeing hits.

I agree with what White Warlock said above. Beginners in some arts think that blocking means using your hands only.

In my opinion the 3/4 fist is more practical in most cases and allows you to hit more easily with your first 2 knuckles.

Drunken Monkey, My dummy is pretty basic, i simply drilled 2 holes into a post that holds up my garage and put a stick in each hole, similar to the 'arms' on a wing chun wooden dummy. I practice blocking, parrying, striking, 'trapping' etc.

basically kickboxing is american and uses boxing punches and karate kicks(usually above the waist only). Muay thai is from thailand and uses punches, elbows, knees and kicks to all levels including the well known roundkick to the thigh.

I own weights also, but i dont tend to use them very much. My focus is more often on technique rather than strength.

http://www.uechi-ryu.com/videos/masters.html that site has quiet a few different videos and if you go down the page a bit i think they have 1 or 2 shito ryu kata. Hope that helps a little bit.

I guess it depends why you want to do it. But just like anything else watch the class first to decide if its a sutable place for you to train, weather it be for fitness or as a martial art.

What training/protective equipment do you own? I have: -heavy bag -home made wooden dummy -tennis ball attached to elastic and a headband(home made) -home made grappling dummy -bag gloves -sparring mitts As you can see i make most of my equipment so i can get it just right and i just enjoy creating it.

For a good workout hit the bag fast until failure. By failure i mean until you cant strike it with good form any longer.

CanuckMA's advice about Arnica is very good. Arnica will help relieve bruising on any part of the body and it really does work wonders. If you want other than that for your shin try and get some thai linament.

You could try sand, but it might all gather at the bottom. Maybe a mixture of sand, rags, newspapers or something like that.

wado_lee, you should look into the 'soft' aspects of the arts you are already training. They may offer everything you need, just might take you more time to find what you are looking for.

Most of us do pay weekly. But the question was how much per month.