madtanker

I would combine equestrian and diving, so that we could actually see the 'diving horse' referred to in the movie 'Back to School'...lol. Or maybe equestrian and ping pong... that would be a mess to watch!

As of this post, I am VERY new here, and I have to say that so far from a LOT of reading, some posting, and observation, this is one of the better forums that I have found here. It seems to me that there is something to the fact that people who have confidence have less to prove, and therefore, can actually focus on helping others... Again, thanks for having me!

Perfect!

Where noone actually WAS a black belt can you see how bad their techniques are Even poor old John Saxon was only Brown in reality, at that time (so legend has it!)! Heh that movie was on tv the other day. Obviously the actors weren't blackbelts but it surprises me that the attention to detail isn't there. You would have thought that Bruce would have made sure the simple things like keeping the fists closed and punching straight would have been taught to the actors. That scene where the arrive on Han's island and all the students are training is so funny to watch if you're looking at what the guys in gis are doing. Oh yeah, it was curious. I am not very experienced in the exacting standards of MA; however, I can see a bad kick or block, because in LEO training it is similar. If the block misses, you are hurtin' and if you miss a defensive attack, it can get worse...lol. Between Bruce, Bolo Yeung, and the cast of characters all assembled, I would think there would be more attention to detail, but then again, I bet we can get any Harry Potter book fan to scream their heads off too...lol. Movies do their best; however, just like in the working world, not everyone is prpoerly trained, and they do their best... or as they say in AA, 'fake it til' ya make it...' LOL...

I would say this to add: If there is an appeals policy, then take it. If not, or if they are adament about making the situation stressful, then I am in firm belief that you should put the energy into practice rather than a fight that for whatever reason, you would be better off not taking up. Even if you 'win' you may lose later... Congratulations on the promotion (whether 1/2 or not, it shows a level of dedication). Overall, it is best to concentrate on the art than the rank within it...

I believe that if he is recognized as a person who uses reasonably proper techniques, then he is no worse than some of the creators of many martial arts (I cannot remember the name of the artist that created Tang Soo Do; however, it seems to me this is the way that he learned)... If he bears the responsibility, and his performance is proven, then he should register a style, and get his belt and Dan(s) recognized....

Where noone actually WAS a black belt can you see how bad their techniques are Even poor old John Saxon was only Brown in reality, at that time (so legend has it!)! Oh, I know that many of them probably had not 'earned' them... but most were wearing them... It goes to show that the BELT is only cloth, whereas the training is the real reward. (PS Didn't Chuck Norris even fail his 1 Dan once or twice??)...

The world hates an informed consumer...

I believe firmly (and this does not come from a master martial artist, but a master sharpshooter and former security enforcement expert) that a belt no more symbolizes OVERALL maturity than a license to drive, a CCW (CHL, CPL, license to carry) etc. We have all seen incidents where 'responsible' adults mess up when defending themselves, or understanding the law. It is up to the teacher of the art to understand when the artist is truly a master of the art before bestowing the responsibility of mastery. It is also up to the teacher to ensure emotional understanding of what that responsibility carries with it. (My understanding is that a 'black belt' carries with it a license to kill in self defense, although I do not know if this is true or not; I am a novice to the internal workings of MA). Maturity and responsibility have very little to do with how many years you have dragged your body around this rock we live on, and much to do with the person's internal maturity level. I know 40 year-olds that I would never certify as an expert in firearms even if they could shoot the eye out of a body target at 100 yards. I also know a 13 year-old that I would trust with me if I needed a backup in a gun-fight.

I knew that was true when I was suspended in middle school because some kid punched me in the face. I didn't even hit back, but if i had... I would love to encourage my students to fight back when someone's picking on them, but I would be so fired. I noticed a kid doing his homework at the gym yesterday. In the health class book there was a chapter on violence. I asked to read it. The words self defense did not exist, but zero tolerance does. In other words we will punish you for defending yourself. I will agree that in most situations it is best to walk away, or run. However, if you can't get away, crying in the fetal position is not a very good defense. Also they say to tell an adult. Good idea, but which adult? If the book tells kids how to deal with violence and says to tell an adult, it should say when to tell a teacher or call 911. Some adults just do not care. Also what do you do if the violence is abuse? There was no mention of dealing with child abuse. What should a kid do if they tell a teacher and nothing changes? In my life, I have had SO MANY situations where I needed to defend myself. I was a small kid when I was growing up (thanks to an AMAZING growth spurt, I am now 6'6"; however, when I graduated high school I was 5'7" and a chubby little kid). I had to learn alternative methods of defense... and as a teacher, should I ever get there, I know I cannot teach it, but as a parent, I will and do teach defense of one's well-being. I learned the zero-tolerance way and realized one thing, that I ended up beaten up, and nobody cared... That being said... When I worked security, the 'primary' objective of a security officer (and ubiquitous even if differently quoted) is to 'observe, and report anomalies in the normal operations of the area assigned to the guard him/herself'. I have WATCHED places that I worked being robbed, and I wrote down the information that I had and called 911 for a reason... NOTHING IS WOTH YOUR LIFE... you are better off letting the property leave. That being said... If it is a matter of self defense, I believe in ending the threat as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. I use legal means within the letter of the law (which I study because it is a chosen concept for me). I employ armed and unarmed self-defense as legally mandated, or as close to the law as I can. Excellent post and great idea!

I employ other means to defend myself (more modern, and as effective). I do FIRMLY believe however in the art of self defense. Anyone TRULY in fear of their life should have the means to defend it. After all, why are we interested in the martial arts in the first place (martial being derivitave of military, ie fighting)... "It comes from Mars who was the God of war in the antic rome. Martial is the adjective referring to war." as quoted from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_origin_of_the_word_martial#ixzz23kUOiGgK The right to defend ones self from an attack is inherent and instinctive. Just because the methods of attack have gotten worse does not mean that the methods of defense should diminish. That logic (an eye for an eye is 'wrong') is how victims are made. When you tie one's hands behind their back, you halve their ability to defend their life... the one thing anyone TRULY owns here on this planet.

Personally, here as well as elsewhere, I do not fear reprisal when posting. If I have something of substance to say, or of value to add, I will do so. If not, then I avoid it, but only if I cannot be of help. If you are in fear, then there are two reasons 1) it is your survival instinct (or basically, you know that any comment may be misconstrued) and in that case you should listen. 2) it is a valid fear of an issue, knowing that the only thing that you can do is hurt... yourself or someone else. In that case it is nobler to bow out, and see how things develop. As in MA, you are better off settign up an opponent than leading head-first.

The best way to get them back is to be level-headed and ask. Maybe if you 'know' it will go badly, record the conversation in case you decide that you have to take them to court (note... each jurisdiction has different laws, even those regarding monitoring of conversations...). If this is impossible, try to get a letter written asking for them back and send it certified mail... this will also start towards working for evidentiary proof of service and asking. In the end, it will be hard to prove WHO actually has them so good luck... and if you can afford to, be prepared to write them off.

Here is the rub, you have to be careful when using a weapon of ANY kind for defense, and N E V E R for offense!! The rules are different in each state, jurisdiction, and even different countries (of course). In Georgia, even a simple stick used in an overhand fashion is considered a 'killing' blow for defensive purposes. (If someone comes at you with a baton or escrima, and they raise the item above shoulder level and swing, it is considered DEADLY force). Some jurisdictions consider carrying of a knife to be misuse of deadly force or carrying a 'concealed' weapon. It is (just like learning any art) up to the person that is considering the method of defense, to be knowledgeable as to how they employ defensive tactics. I have had concealed weapon (gun/firearm) carry permits in 3 states, and in each, the laws are different. Excellent observation!

I actually was a truck driver; however, I sustained a bad back injury from which I have had several issues. During that time, I thought the better of trying to drive on an increasingly weakening back. I took the time, and got: an Associates degree in accounting (3.875 GPA) Bachelors Degree in Business Administration concentrating in Human Resources (3.93 GPA) and a Masters of Business Administration degree focusing in Human Resources (4.0 GPA)... All were taken online. I specialized in safety, and training protocol. I have 15 business certificates and over 30 safety and training certificates including First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens safety protocol. I am also an ordained Reverend, and certified as a firearms expert. Since that time, I have applied to over 500 jobs here in the US and on foreign soil... Nobody is hiring for some reason... I am going to continue through with Admin jobs; however, I am going to lend my other focuses as well...

Good quotes but this is more a bit of fun regarding the forums ranking system! Oh, I get it...lol. I was wondering how some people had different belts when there was no actual question for it...lol. I would probably not be a white belt anyway after a few days, although I have no formal training...lol. I am okay to move up the ranks... eventually, I will sharpen my texting and posting skills and become the master of the art of communication! However, is this like the Highlander? (There can be only ONE), or more like Enter the Dragon, where everyone was wearing a black belt...lol.

I just wanted to say that you may not be aware of one thing - relearning something properly after you've practiced it poorly is much more difficult than learning it the first time. I know this from experience. I got my black belt from one Kempo school and then moved and got into a new dojo. Same style. I have to relearn nearly everything from white to black. They are not new techniques either. They are the same techniques I learned, done differently. Breaking the habits from my previous dojo is much, much, much harder than learning the techniques the first time. Please keep this in mind. Definitely, this is something that I never thought of... and fodder for thought! Thank you for that! I kind of figured that if I followed carefully, and applied my (very limited) knowledge, I could translate... this does change things!

How do you think pilots train? In a flight simulator!! So, to answer your question...yes!! I was actually going to say 'bad example'... however, we do get the jist. But again, we are back to what has been oft repeated; if you HAVE to try the tapes, use them as a supplement, and then AFTER you have had some basic training in the first place...

in my opionion i think i can learn online so boxing/kickboxing, muay thai, or wing chin. I am personally in this quandary myself, and I have weighed several options. I do have SOME experience, albeit non-linear technique (law enforcement and military self-defense classes etc.) and even I am being told that self teaching is a mistake from the top down. If you are learning how to fight just to kick a$$, then you are learning for the wrong reasons. If I could go back with what I have learned (I am 38 years old) I would have taken, like some of your friends here have said, wrestling (which is a martial art by definition, even if it is not inherently asian...) or boxing, both of which will give you stamina, poise, confidence, and a sense of self-reliance that you are seeking. Do not pick up a weapon unless you know how to use it, why you want to, and what you will do if that one weapon fails (these are the words of one of my old law enforcement instructors)... Take wrestling or boxing, graduate, and then when you are making money, then investigate a school. (I grew up dirt-poor, and this is part of why I could not take MA as a child... one reason of many which will take too long to list)... If you get a basis, then eventually, you may be able to benefit from self study as a supplement, but not to rely on as a whole (think bread as opposed to a meal).

Actually, this is why I posted this in the first place; I wanted feedback from those with either experience or training. I see that 1) you put a TON of thought into this, and 2) that you are dedicated to keeping me from a mistake. This I appreciate. I also appreciate the fundamental approach to the answer as well as the reasons for it! I would never be derrogatory to a person that took the kind of time that you did. All the same, I will probably do some of this at home for a couple of reasons; self-pace, and the ability to 'test the waters'. It is not a matter of expense alone (I suffered a back injury and am trying to use something like MA to gain musculature and some rythmic muscle memory as well); however, it is a consideration. The tapes cost less than 2 months of lessons... so if I do not like it, I can walk away no hard feelings, and if I do, then (and this person did recommend additional hands-on after 1Dan) I can move to a school and relearn and master my techniques. I may have given a false impression; I do know some basics (stances, positioning etc) and kumite (hyung (sp..)) with full contact would be bad right now... I can throw a punch and take an hour with no loss... I am decidedly going to weigh your decision and it will have some influence on my overall training! Thank you again!

It will never happen!!! Just playing! I hope to get my degree sometime soon; I am at a standstill at this point. I hope to get a little further along in the Law Enforcement area, as I am really enjoying what I am doing now. I will always stick with the martial arts, and maybe have a school someday...but it is so much fun to be learning. I've actually thought about being a cop here in Atlanta, as it is an honorable profession serving the public. But being a cop is a hard, tough job with lousy hours not to mention the fact that there are people out there pointing guns at you. Also, it'd be a bit of a pay cut (low 40's), though I'd get benefits. If I was a few years younger I'd try for OCS in the Army or Marines. I always regretted not joining the Marines for a few years after college, and now I'm too old to enter as an officer, unless I were a physician or nurse. With respect, Sohan Actually, I do not know how old you are, but I just checked into the US Army requirements for OCS, and as long as you're under 35 (and make the requirements), you can enter OCS. Also, as far as being a police officer, it is a noble pursuit, and a dedicated profession... I worked in Atlanta myself for a while (not as a police officer, but with them...) and I miss the chase, but you are right... it is stressful and makes one jaded toward thinking that there are criminals hiding under every rock. You HAVE to find a balance...

I remember two quotes on belts (from old movies, etc) 1) A true master would use this--- to hold up his pants (The 'Last' Dragon) 2) I forget how it starts now, but something to do with 'jc penny- got it for 12 bucks, or something... Also, I am reminded of something I heard from a friend during my studies... don't sweat the rankings, in the end, learning is a journey and not a destination...

I am beginning a course of study at home for Tang Soo Do and Hapkido. I know that there will be some challenges to the idea, and I know that it is more difficult than having someone show you exactly how to position, etc... but I am wondering if it is a terrible idea, or just one that may not work for everyone. To background why I even coisndered this, I am almost completely self-taught (or with minimal supervision) in many aspects of the accomplishments that I have made. I obviously went through the protocol when it came to certifications and disciplines; however, I usually took the lead, and was able to do so effectively, even when I did not know from the start what I was doing. To summarize, I do learn well on my own (I earned a 4.0 in an accredited MBA program online). Also I do have law-enforcement training including (unnamed) self defense and takedown techniques. I know the basic (horse, fighting, forward) stances and foot positionings, and how to take a fall. The master of the dojo also informs me that he has 1) certified several competition level students (47 to date have made 1st dan in one or more styles from this method), and 2) I already (not even joined yet) have the person's home number, and support from their side that is almost unwavering. Overall, I am wondering from those with experience, whether this will be possible, or whether I am just shooting myself in the foot!

I know that cursedforever's post is not exactly translating with most of us; we are generally serious about the ART in martial arts, and not the ability to decapitate someone or to cause their heart to stop beating. The concept should be health, mental and physical well-being, and of course, a battle tested method of DEFENSE which translated in the hands of a professional, can be used offensively as needed. Having said that, I agree with many posters on here... what is the 'deadliest' art you ask? It is the one that is used inneffectively, thus causing injury or serious liability for the person that is misusing the art form. If you are going to look to kill someone, this may be something that you need to discuss openly with a friend that can help, or a trained professional that can deepen your understanding of why you feel the way that you do. Likewise, one must try to understand why you are seeking this out; are you being bullied, harassed, or hurt? If so, there are authorities that can help with that... but you need the same vigilance that you were trying to employ. I was bullied, and I sought out the martial arts for the wrong reasons; she ran from me until I gained control of myself as a person, and control of my temper. The 'deadliest' tool in ANYONE'S arsenal is the brain. Used with the right motivation, it can create wonders, or destroy civilizations. As for your disability, you need to measure between your (physical and mental) abilities, combined with the martial arts in your area. I would sit down with a few masters, senseis, etc to discuss what you can do, are willing to do, and what you need to avoid. In closing, I hope that you consider the options discussed in the forum, your needs, and a little bit of common sense when making this decision. Good luck!

I am led to understand that gis and uniforms should be more based on height then weight; however, I am 6'6" and 360 lbs, and a size 8 gi purchased from a reputable manufacturer would not even fit like a shirt (it barely crossed the chest at all, and certainly not to fit). I bought the gis from Karate depot (http://www.karatedepot.com/karateuniform.html) and they did carry the 8's and 9's in some sizes at some times... however, their returns policy seems generous enough for a non-fitting item (they do not carry over size 8 in almost anything, and nothing over 9). I did find gis at http://www.mas4less.com/ however, I do not know if they have the Tae Kwon Do uniform under the big and tall section. I ordered size 11 gis from them and am awaiting shipment; I will follow up on fit when I can (cost of a 7.5 oz black gi was about $57 plus tax, and they offer free shipping right now on orders over a certain amount, and a 5% discount if you sign up for their email club). And no, I do not work for them, and if their sizes, etc are not worth it, I will be back to vilify them, likewise, if they are a good fit, etc, I will be back to sing their praises.