ninjanurse

My original style was TSD-it is what ignited my passion for the martial arts. I have since done 3 variations of TKD and I find them all to share similarities with TSD-some more than others depending on the syle of the instructor. If you watch me spar or do poomse and you were familiar with the differences between TSD and TKD you would be able to see that I was "patterned" by TSD but am able to compliment both styles. My belief is that ALL syles of martial arts share the same techniques, theories and knowledge, and that eventually they all come together, however, the journey to get there is different for each style-the path taking a different route to the top of the mountain for each one.

I bruised my heel last year and it took more than 8 months for it to heal. It is a very slow process as blood accumulates between the tissue and the fascia of your foot and you walk on it all the time, hence it stays irritated for quite some time. Even now (18 months later), it still "burns" occasionally. Hopefully yours will not take as long to heal. Good luck!

Puzzle mats are definitely a hazard!!! I have trained at a few different schools an the best flooring that I have found to work out on is gymnastics flooring. It is 2-3 inch thick firm foam with a thin carpet layering over it. Great for landings and missed landings , accomodates training shoes or bare feet, not to much give, safe for ankles and knees. My present Master instructor installled tatami style sectional mats which fit together very tightly and are nice to work out on but there is an occasional loose seam for tripping on. Of course, back in the old days.....we trained on hardwood floors, had blisters on our feet, and our knees and ankles hurt all the time (gotta love that arthritis!).....ahhh, those were the days!

Shotokan

Sweet!

Am I that old??? UGH!!! Anyway...a block is strike and a strike is a block ...every action has an opposite and equal reaction ...the best defense is a good offense ...can you find the beginning of a circle? A little aggression doesn't hurt either! BTW....your welcome Laurie. We have to do that more often!

I too regret leaving my home TKD school...but my journey has taken a different path that is as unique as the first one was. I hold many fond memories among the pangs of loss, and someday I may feel the same about my current school...so for now I look to the future. As far as other regrets, this is a g-rated forum so I'll pass!

Road trips are always a hit with me! I'm game as long as I can fit it into my busy life.

Howdy!

Welcome!!

Welcome!

Using others as role models is always beneficial to success-as long as your role model is appropriate. The danger is comparing yourself to others as this can lead to negative motivation and stinkin' thinkin'! You must make martial arts your own, as you are unique and no one else will ever fight/perform like you.

Check out this video: http://www.bryway.net/Videos/ninja_gym.wmv

Howdy!

Welcome!

Welcome!!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Occasionally a jitte.

He won't lose his skills-they will make his TKD better and vice versa. As far as separating the two during a match...I find that using my hands (without making contact to the head) is an advantage as most TKD fighters aren't used to a fighter that uses them and it throws them off their "routine" as they have to adjust their defense to include them-Shotokan hands can be fast and quite often score to the body and/or feint to draw their focus from their intended technique. True there are a few times when I land a backfist to the head and get scolded by the referee but ahhh.... Oh yeah...telegraphing is not unique to arts other than TKD. All fighters do it, some more than others...and it takes not only practice to overcome but a good training partner who is able to define your technique and critique your style.

Welcome to the club Laurie!!!

My first impression...not to offend anyone but...seems like another gimick to make money.

It is strictly a personal journey and no one can make others accountable for how they train or perform. God ksnows we want to and can't help but be critical of others, especially when we compare them to ourselves...therein lies the essence of it all.

I went from Shotokan to TKD and I felt the same frustration for quite a while. It takes a lot of time/practice to overcome old habits and being a BB he should be aware of this. I found set sparring drills most effective in learning new "patterns" and establishing a new mindset-maybe he will too. And remember, repetition is the mother of skill.

Welcome!!! And remember, the bigger they are the harder they fall.