ninjanurse

Shotokan and TKD are a good compliment to each other-as long as you keep things in perspective. They are not the same. Shotokan=strength and power TKD=speed & flexibility

"Open form" means you can do a form outside your system or belt level and/or you can make one up. Basically, anything goes.

Heavy weight is the best, unfortunately my new school does wear them-only light and middle weight v necks !!

I too had to work so I made myself some delicious stuffing and squash to take with! The rest ofd the fam went to relatives and had "the works" of course!

My organization requires all Instructors to be certified in order to teach. There are different levels based on rank and each level requires an Instructors course and written test. My old organization did not certify but rather dan promotions included teaching requirements.

Sai is right. Treat everyone the same regardless of their physical abilities. What is different is how you teach them to adapt to their ability. As far as ADHD goes: There are several learning styles that instuctors must learn and strategize for and some people have more that one learning style. The trick is to be able to cover all the different learning styles in one class session so everyone gets something "personal" from it. ADHD kids are usually physical learners but a savvy instructor can learn to appeal to a less physical style such as visual or environmental and use it to counter the kids distractability by keeping them "distracted". Confused? Well to make it simple, these kids need to be moving from one thing to the next constantly because their attention spans are so short that they get bored quickly and move on to something else whether you are ready or not. A change of pace, change of position in the class, change of roles (let them demonstrate or help another student), change of activities, or change in noise level distracts them just enough to let you keep in control. Always praise a job well done, always ignore thier attention seeking behaviors, always keep your cool! If you have to sit out a kid who has lost control make it brief or he/she will quickly forget why they are sitting out in the first place and the lesson will be lost. Hope this helps!

Absolutely suitable for a girl!!! While it can be painful, the training is intense. Don't be discouraged by what other people say. I would talk to some ladies that take MT and get first hand info.

And which way would your foot be oriented when you make contact...vertically or horizontally? If vertically then I would say this is just a push kick, if horizontally then...I have no clue !

Welcome!

Large veins are mostly genetics. I've seen some 80 year old, 100 lb ladies with some killers!!! Genetics aside, vein size can coorelate to the fitness of the muscle below it. My 5'1" 90 lb daughter has large forearm and bicep veins from pushups and bag work-and she can do more pullups than any of the guys in her class. When she lays off the training muscle (and vein) size decreases. Of course it helps that she has almost no body fat!!!!!

The martial arts journey is a lifetime process. 30 years from now (provided you are faithful to your style) you will still be doing the same forms, basics, etc that you did as a color belt. Are you prepared for this? Will you become bored and dis satisfied? Do you think that there is something more than a punch or a kick? When you are a Black Belt you may understand, but for now have faith in your instructor and he will let you know when you are ready to learn more.

I have used plyometrics in my training frequently, some exercises being incorporated into warm ups or end of class drills. I suggest checking the web for sources, i.e., strength training, dynamic stretching, etc. I do not recall seeing any martial arts specific sites or books on the subject.

So true, so true!!!

Welcome to the forums!!!

Personally, I appreciate it when a man treats me the same as any other student when we spar. I have a lot of respect for him.

Wow, it only took two sentences for you to be a hypocrite. I don't pretend to be anything, nor do I find the fact that I feel she is arrogant a virtue. This is merely my opinion. Nothing more, nothing less.

Having seen my kids and their friends grow up in the martial arts I think work ethics (perseverance, respect, etc.) and body awareness are two important things (amongst many) that martial arts has given them.

Having seen my kids and their friends grow up in the martial arts I think work ethics (perseverance, respect, etc.) and body awareness are two important things that martial arts has given them.

Wow, such arrogance! Not even worth commenting on.

Yes it is!!!!

In my experience, all TKD schools are different. The average time from white to black is 3.5 years.

My current style teaches staff, broad sword, knife, and stick. My old style taught staff, knife, stick, kama, chain whip, 3 sectional staff, spear, and sword. These weapons are not specific to Korean arts but have been borrowed from other cultures.

Well, I'm not sure I can help but it sounds to me like it is a balance problem that makes you move forward on the kicks. This is a favorite kick of mine and it does take good balance and form to execute so I would start by breaking down your technique. Make sure each kick is completed properly (including position of your non-kicking leg) before doing the next. Speed will come with lots of practice. Also, if your upper body is too stiff you will not be able to rotate fast enough and you'll end up looking like a Rockette!! Loosen up a bit girl!!! Lastley, your sides are sore because your obliques are working hard to rotate-they will get in shape eventually. Hope this helps!

Welcome!!