ninjanurse

Since I am not an authority I am not sure I can answer your question fully. The extent of "swinging" motion will depend on the circumstances and angle of the kick in any given style but generally the top of the foot is not used in Japanese systems. The Olympic style TKD schools teach the "uprising kick" (the kick you are inquiring about) because it does not waste as much energy in it's execution thereby increasing its ability to produce "trembling shock" which, in Olynpic TDK is required to score a point. It is merely a matter of physics and science. Traditional schools tend to teach both styles of kicks as they each have a different application within the style.

TKD does not suck. You will always find those that think their art is better than anyone elses and they are entitled to their opinion. Each style of martial arts has it's own value to its practitioners and yes, each style has it's weaknesses. Keep an open mind...you will go much farther in the martial arts with one.

Take the plunge! Your dedication and willingness to learn are more important than knowing Heian Shodan your first day.

You should feel honored.

Age is not a factor..desire is.

This kick is not unique to TKD as most japanese systems teach the "ball of the foot" kick as you so describe. Kicks using the top of the foot require a different balance of power but can become quite effective if practiced enough. It is important to remember that no one kick (or technique) is better than the other as use of a technique depends on the situation at hand and the moment in time. It is for you to decide.

Shudokan! Who do you train with? When I lived in Reno we frequently trained with Joey Walker and Alexander Archie. Those names ring a bell? Anyway good to have you here! Welcome!

Welcome!!

Nothing more needs to be said. Well done!

Repitition is the mother of skill.

While my current school does not allow training in street clothes I hold a special traiing class for students preparing for Black Belt exams that takes place out doors so we wear sweats and tennis shoes. I think it is important to train in jeans too-especially spar.

Games and humor are OK in class as long as they relate to THE BASICS. I often do silly or seemingly "off subject" drills and then ask the students to identify the basic concepts hidden in them, i.e., posture, balance, etc. It is an excellent learning tool for all ages and all sports.

Pain is relative to how much fun you are having. Period.

Posture is fundamental to all techniques.

I also have arthritis in my wrists, knees, and back from years of pounding heavy bags and boards. My joint problems have changed the way I train but they don't keep me from training. I find that keeping my joints in motion is imperative so I really feel it when I take time off from training. The thing that has helped me the most is my diet. I have been a vegetarian for years but it wasn't until I went vegan (no dairy, eggs, animal products) that I experienced significant improvement in my joints. I do not take any joint supplements (tried them-they don't work) nor exogenous calcium either. I recently had a dexascan which showed that at 43 I have the bone density of a 21 year old. Now if I only had the cartilage of a 23 year old!!!!!!

As a long time caffeine addict, now clean, I found that my training is better being chenical free. I sleep better too. I drink coffee now for the pleasure of the taste not the buzz. If you need a pick-me-up before class, eat some complex carbs 30 munutes before class along with at least 8 oz water.

There's nothing wrong with duplicating something that works! Why re-invent the wheel?

As a small woman myself, all I have to say is do not give up yet! Sparring has to be learned just like poomse and you are not expected to be proficient at it as a yellow belt. You will discover that being small has its advantages-especially over large, tall opponents-and that flexibility (from ballet) will be an asset. Sparring is a game of strategy not necessarily braun and you will learn various strategies as you train that will enhance your success in the ring. As far as the "warrior spirit" goes, it is not required to learn. Be yourself and have fun with what you are doing now and fear will take a back-burner. Now for a training tip: Sparring drills learned in class will work for the beginner in the ring if they focus on this: fight straight with round, and round with straight. This means if they attack with a linear (straight) technique, i.e., front kick, back kick, side kick, jab/cross, etc., you counter with a round technique, i.e., round kick, hook punch, back fist. Pay attention to the footwork you learn in class and GET OUT OF THE WAY before you counter.

You mean there really is another Toad fan out there? Sweet!!!!

Typically TKD schools are of two trains of thought, traditional or sport. Sport TKD (what we see in the Olympics) does not allow use of the hands whereas in traditional schools (generally speaking) anything goes. Each style is completely different and has it's own strategy as well as perceived outcome.

Congratulations!!

Yeppers!!!!! I knew you'd get it!

Contracts and liability releases don't stop someone from suing you if they want to. Been there personally, and while the outcome was in my favor, it was an experience that reminded us all of the inherent risks we all take just walking out our door in the morning much less stepping into a dojo. Your students aren'e even safe from other students.Unfortunately we live in a society were many put themselves before others...not what we as martial artists are used to in most respects. Our hope is that we can impact our students lives enough to help them become the kind of people we strive to be every day.

Sounds good to me...now I just have top get the day off. Still working on it though!!! I really need to find a job with weekends off!!!

You got it!!!!!!