ninjanurse

I have been in schools that break at every belt level, and schools that only break at black belt level. I don't particularly like breaking but I do it as required for testing.

At my school Black Belts test every 6 months for intermediate & advanced ranks until 3rd dan when they test once a year. There is not a lot of new curriculm so the expectation is that you work on "perfecting" your technique. We learn the WTF forms for each dan level plus chinese forms as we are a blend of TKD and Kung Fu.

I thought this topic deserved it's own thread. Here is another related thread for your reading pleasure. http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=19656&highlight=learning+video

Darn..the secret's out!!!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

(Cover your eyes Laurie! ) I am partial to a fake front kick, then lead leg hook kick to the head. I also use pop-up back kick frequently when in close.

I felt this needed it's own thread. Could make for some interesting and informative posts!

As with any style there are other elements that make up our training that are native to and that have been "borrowed" from other systems and that can be used effectively as self-defense...we share a common history of sorts. For example, a side kick is a side kick and a punch is a punch. I agree with the sentiment that it is not about the art itself but about the artist. In addition, not all martial artists train for self-defense either, some train strictly for the -do...and this is not unique to any one style.

On a personal note: I took an accidental shot in the temple once during class...everyone was surprised that I didn't die. They figure 1 cm difference in impact point and it would have been fatal. It only takes one shot in the right place...

Given that most tournaments are divided into weight classes, a 115 pounder should have a fairly equal match in the ring. Weight is not an issue unless you are planning on making it a habit to spar large opponents . Of course there will be a time when you will have to (a dan test for example) but I wouldn't worry...they can take it !!!!

And just how much energy should a 36 year old have??? I am 43 and run circles around my ADD teenagers...it's definitely the TKD!!!!!

As we train over the years these types of things become evident to us but as beginners we are usually taught to do things without explanation and are left to discover on our own. It brings to mind the question of which method makes more sense given that we are not meant to become "experts" in a few short years of training (traditionally speaking).

Yes, let's not. Remember we are here to exchange knowledge and ideas, not debate which is best.

Tomoe Nage.

Congratulations Super_Coo!!!

I am going to refer you to this thread: http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=20180

Like I said...in practice, not sure. In theory, you could argue that your brain would get used to getting sloshed around inside your skull so that when you took a good hit it wouldn't be so bad.

Moving to Korean Martial Arts.

Congratulations!!

I think the word is used intechangeably by most. Koreans call it poomse but it is still what I would call "kata"-a prearranged set of techniques that build upon the last. Take the palgwe set of forms (TKD) for example: The first one is a single technique followed by a single technique and so on; the second introduces a basic combination (front kick-punch); the third introduces changing directions; the fourth transition from one stance to another; etc. Each builds upon the basic skills learned at each gup until all the elements are contained in the last one. The taegueks, heians, pinans, etc. all seem to be structured similarly.

Hi and Welcome! Upstate NY here... Finger Lakes Region.

Neither is better. Train for both.

Moving this thread to Chinese Arts.

I am going to move this to Comparative styles. Here are a few links to additional threads on this subject: http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=20453&highlight=streetfighting http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=11063&highlight=streetfighting

Here's a link to another thread on this technique: http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=18593&highlight=kip