ninjanurse

One must not only use enough force when blocking to stop the attack but also to affect maximum damage to the offending appendage thus ending the confrontation in one strike/block. Defense becomes offense, offense becomes defense. Hidden applications of any block/strike include throws, joint locks, sweeps, etc., gedan barai being one that emcompasses all these options.

All blocks are strikes....all strikes are blocks.

They are just the proper ways to execute techniques and if you have poor techniques they will not be effective in combat. Every little detail increases muscle efficiency, torque, balance, alignment, posture, & power. This is not to say that you would do a down block in a long front stance during combat but you will block with efficiency, balance, and power if you have practiced it as taught with the proper mechanics.

Howdy Jordan!!

When I point spar, one of my favs is: Full-step with reverse back fist/middle punch/spinning back fist.

Everything your sensei teaches you is important and nothing is wasted if done properly. There is a reason for all things. Even if you don't understand now it will become clear to you eventually.

I have always worn my stripes to the left-in all systems I have studied, however I would say that it is pretty much up to your systems tradition

Please post it as my interest has been peaked! Sounds interesting.

First of all there is no excuse for a higher belt injuring a lower belt in class!!! It shows a total lack of control. That being said... My school encourages male/female sparring and there is no mercy expected nor is it usually received. The key is both must be aware of the intensityand skill level of the match and adjust accordingly-especially the senior belts!!! I have fond memories of being kicked out of the ring by a male BB (Laurie remembers...I went flying through the air- Of course I only weigh 113lbs so it's not too hard for a 180 lb guy to make me fly! ) during my first grading at the new school. He didn't know me from adam...and he made no judgements about my gender or skill. I popped up and went right back at it knowing that I had found the right school.

Sorry to say but bruised ribs will hurt for a long long time! The important thing is that you are breathing deeply and doing your kias....this will help avoid pnuemonia that can occur when people with rib injuries guard and don't breathe deeply enough. I can't tell you what to do but if it where me I would go. Pain is only relative to how much fun you are having !

Getting back to the original question...Yes, I have seen "Surviving Edged Weapons". Our department used it as a training tool..as did the State POST school. I remember vividly....which is a good thing!

You'll learn as you progress that it is all about focus and technique. Cement will break as easily as a board...trust me.

We vegans have to be careful about our carbs and fats though..finding a balance is hard when you are body building and doing cardio. Too much..no fat loss; too little...no muscle gain.

Breathe!

Looks like a nice clean place...very new. Most places want to get you in the door so you won't be biased by price. He may have a lot to offer for the $ but never have the chance to tell potential students about it unless they see the place and talk to him. Doesn't mean that he isn't a reputable instructor. I would go and check it out..and definitely watch a few classes too.

What if you're wrong? She is asking for help simply by the fact that she has talked about it and...and have you ever considered that she may be playing you to get you guys to be her friends? That's some pretty serious emotional black-mail! I don't know how old you guys are but I have teenage girls and we have been through this kind of manipulations with school mates. Call her bluff and get her help! The only important thing that you could lose is a person's life!

Heiki....go figure!

I think professional help is in order here. Even good friends can't always handle problems in their own. Get help for her! If the school counselor is no help tell her parents...and don't feel guilty about it either! It's the right thing to do whether she likes it or not.

Boxing is good for hand speed, timing, and getting out of the way of fists!

Yep...twist kick!

But are all "fighters" martial artists?

I know...same general consensus in PY!

All are good suggestions! I would have stopped the class and addressed the spectators right then and there. Nip that one (and any others who may have been thinking of saying the same thing) right in the bud!

Well.....describe yours! (or is it a highly protected sparring secret??? )

Glad it's not cracked! Just remember, if you get kicked in the ribs at the tourny, BREATHE!!!!!!