ninjanurse

With enthusiasm and flexibility!!! Remember, you can make or break a future martial artist very quickly...and kids are hard to fool. If you aren't sincere and genuine about teaching them they WILL know!!!!

Kata, kata, and more kata.

I pop and crack all the time too-quite humorous when it occurs during a form and everyone is watching (&listening). One student asked if the cracking noises were part of the form!

It is considered disrespectful in Korea to look someone in the eye as it implies distrust. Therefore when showing respect in the dojang one should bow with eyes averted. Likewise, one should bow with respect at a tournament. Most korean style dojangs in the US adhere to this however some have adopted other philosophies. Our schools sends students to Korea frequently to train and ettiquette is strongly emphasized.

Experience meaning street time as a police officer, not a civilian (as there is a difference between having knowlege of something and having actually experienced and used something). Semantics may also play a different role here as one my have different definitions of techniques depending on the art they study, etc. Speaking from a reference of experience (street time) I can say that striking arts do have an appropriate use in officer safety.

Good for fakes, blocks, double kicks, etc!

JerryLove, Do you have law enforcement experience?

Whose dojo is it? Aren't there many different schools that teach Isshinryu just as there are TKD or Shotokan? Personally I believe that you can honor your past instructors by the way you practice and behave as a martial artist more than you can by what color gi or patch you wear. Shouldn't you give honor to your new sensei by wearing his patch? BTW, what would your former sensei have to say to you about it?

Welcome aboard!!

Yes, TKD uses titles for it's dan ranks although it can vary from school to school. In general: Cho Go Nim (instructor)=shodan/nidan Bu Sa Ba Nim (Assistant Senior Instructor=nidan soon to test for sandan Sa Ba Nim (Senior Instructor)=sandan Bu Kwan Ja Nim (Assistant Master Instructor)=sandan/yodan Kwan Ja Nim(Master Instructor)=yodan and up

Thank you *kung yeht*

Welcome!!

Welcome to the forum!!

In my experience the two piece bo, nagi-nata etc., tends to become loose at the junction of the two pieces over time.

Luna, Strikes can be blocks and blocks can be strikes. Each technique has many applications that can serve you well in sparring. Muy Thai is a good choice and I think you will find that even that has "hidden" applications that will serve you well. Good luck!

Just thought of another one... If they are coming at you to push or rush-duck and take them down from the knees flat onto their backs, mount and strike or choke. Oh ya!!!

Depends on the direction of the push but.... 1) Go with the flow-step back and turn for body side ways so that their momentum carries them past you-then strike (your choice but I suggest the spine). 2)As they put their hands on your chest to push-go with the flow and step back while you trap one of them (or both if you want), place a knife-hand or forearm across their wrist, and then apply pressure as you sink low into your stance.

I suggest going to class, working hard, and being yourself. If she is interested in you she'll let you know.

The question is not how much it costs but rather what it's worth to you in the end.

As Sasori Te said, the kick will lack power if the hips are not allowed to "open up" at impact. Only a slight turning of the foot is required to accomplish this.

Yes! Versatility makes you better in every way and if you are physically limited you must adapt to survive. Confidence in your skills and knowledge of your body can make all the difference in a fight. Additionally, kicking high develops balance, strength, flexability and coordination-so much so that any kick to the mid-section will be more devastating should the opportunity arise. Lastly, never assume that your favorite target is going to present itself, expect that it won't.

Everything you need to know are in the katas.

I have studied martial arts in some form for the past 26 years-and am looking forward to at least 26 more!

There is a reason for everything in martial arts training and often times it takes many years to figure out. Each "basic" is a building block for other techniques and sometimes skipping them causes problems down the road. It's kind of like learning to walk before you crawl-things can be uncoordinated and off-balance. On the other hand, some modern martial arts take advantage of what has been tried and learned before and teach only those that are relavent-it depends on the desired outcome and the style. To each his own! Finally, do not think of it as learning two sets of techniques, think of it as learning twice as many.

Very cool Sai!