darksoul

I agree with this.

I'm a metalhead, so if I listen to music while training, it will probably be metal.

Oh I don't want you to think I discount it, I totally see the mentality/philosophy of doing it. For me though, I don't really see the need. I have done board breaking and yes, the first time there was a bit of "oh boy, I wonder if I can do it!" Again, I've done it, and I do think it's fun, but I don't think my style needs it as part of the curriculum.

Well in my style, we don't do board breaking. Not for test. Not ever. The only time we ever did it was as a special seminar. I personally think it's unnecessary, because as the cliché saying goes - Board don't hit back.

I'm a USSD black belt. Yes, they charge too much. Yes, it's a definite for-profit organization. Yes, it does have SOME flags of a McDojo. HOWEVER... the instructors I've had there were all 4th+ Dan and they have taught me well. I am with another organization now, a non-profit Shaolin Kempo school run by a 7th Dan, and I am recognized as a knowledgeable Shodan and given the same respect as the Shodans bred directly from their school. Would I recommend USSD? No. They really do charge WAY TOO MUCH and the testing fees are absurd. I would, however, say that they will teach you a solid and effective martial art. Their Shaolin Kempo is not watered down, it's just old. When I performed on the mat for my new Master (before being welcomed into his dojo as a shodan), he said "that's exactly how we taught it 20 years ago." USSD just didn't evolve the way the other Shaolin Kempo schools have. So if I can come from USSD, "test" in front of a Saholin Kempo 7th Dan with no ties to USSD and be recognized as a Shodan, I think that says something about the training I received at USSD.

Hello and welcome to the addiction! Hey, at least it's a healthy one

We did free defense against multiple attackers last night after the lower ranks went home. It was the black belts (me and two others) and a blue belt who's better than most. Basically one stood in the middle and the 3 others would attack with no warning. The attacks would range from holds, strikes, club strikes, knife stabs, and 2/3 man combo attacks. It was epic. I think I finally proved to my new dojo that I am deserving of my rank (I felt like a very crappy shodan since joining because I had to relearn everything in their way) It actually depends, if he's the closest to you and easier, sure, but if he's in the back, take out the one that you can get to the fastest and dispatch the fastest. The morale of the "leader" will be affected if one of his cronies gets taken out in one and a half second and that will trickle down to his other cronies.

The chicken wrist is like figure 24 on this website: http://www.karate-made-easy.com/karate-wrist-attacks.html The strike is with the (now hardened thanks to the finger position and bent wrist) part of the wrist. If you just put your hand in the position and feel the top of your wrist, you'll notice it is incredibly hard. Absolutely! This is why I love Shaolin Kempo so much - it's an incredibly complete style. The way the Kung Fu and Karate merge is quite seamless and the addition of some ground work, holds, joint locks, and all around movement and speed make it devastating with the right martial artist. It's the perfect style for me and I love talking about it.

Hear hear!

Careful about getting the one good arm too much bigger than the other, it might give people the wrong idea. Get it? Yes, my jokes are lame.

To be honest, these "beatings" I'm currently receiving have been exaggerated He'll demonstrate techniques on me sometimes, but he's got really good control. I definitely feel the hit, and it hurts, but I know he's pulling his strikes. The worst I've gotten was from a 4th Dan who accidentally dislocated my jaw. That was... pleasant T_T

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I love this!

I don't know, but I find this (full contact standup karate) soooo much more epic than MMA fights.

Great find! Thanks for sharing!

Congrats! Definitely the right choice!

Well I pulled something at class yesterday... or twisted it... either way, my ankle isn't happy with me. It's not THAT painful, nor is it swollen, but I get a twinge when I walk. Meh... gonna take it easy today, hope it'll be find for tomorrow's class.

Visualization might be helpful. If you can't train physically, go over your techniques in your mind. Visualize yourself doing them.

If you know anyone who can read Japanese, have them look it up on google.co.jp Their results should be more accurate than google.au

Good question. I can't find it either. I guess your best bet would be to contact the International Direct and ask them.

I am so sorry to hear about all that, Evergrey. I know the feeling about wishing to heal everyone. Best wishes.

Haha, I got one of those for my birthday! Instant humility generator, lol! OSU! I miss them too... now I'm stuck with 7th dan beatings O_O

I love Enter the Dojo! Ameri-do-te! lol

We are all at the start of our journey. It took me getting to Shodan to realize I'd barely scratched the surface

I agree the first half of season 2 was a bit slow, but they more than made up for it in the 2nd half. Season 3 looks to pick up the action as well. I'll see if I can get myself to give it a shot. With Halloween coming up, Zombies are definitely appropriate.

Same. I stopped for over a decade so it took me longer than it should.