ninjanurse

Who woud even think of casting someone other than Jim Carey to play "himself"? DUMB, DUMB, DUMB!!!!!

I agree with Sai...rescue is the best place to start looking for a great dog! I have rescued several dogs and they have all been good guardians and a joyful additon to the fam. Recently we rescued a Chinook which is a rare breed of sled dog that was in danger of becoming extinct. Through the careful breeding and rescue of these beautiful dogs the breed has been saved and is growing in number. They are beautiful, graceful, strong, playful, friendly, loveable, and down right great dogs! It pays to do your research and realy know a breed before investing your time, money, and love. Visit your local shelter and you may be surprised at all the wonderful dogs there...or contact a rescue group for a particular breed yu are interested in and they may be able to help get you a dog. Good luck!!

Mt old TKD school added Brazilian JJ to it's curriculum and it made for a nice well rounded arsenal. Judo would serve to give you throwing and falling skills too, but JJ may add more grappling and ground fighting techniques.

Nice post delta1. There are physical differences that give men and women different advantages. I may be for equal standards but I'm not crazy enough to pick a fight with a 200 lb guy (I mysef am 115 on a bad day )and if I found my self on the short end of that stick I would have to rely on my speed and technique, not my size and strength. Thanks for the encouragement!!!

This is the way I look at it... "Sport" TKD and "Traditional" TKD are the same arts, each teaching basically the same concepts, basics, and forms, but each having a different emphasis or focus. I come from both "skools" and have experienced both sides of the argument first hand. I started TKD for "the sport" of it and fell in love with the "tradition" of it...blessed by both, accepted by both, motivated by both. Being in the health care profession and having a background in science, I am intrigued by the science of the "sport" and the dynamics that are revealed for each technique that allow me to tweak a bit to be faster or stronger; just like the bunkai of a kata makes you "tingle" when you discover it, it is exciting to know what will make a technique land with more pounds per square inch, or what angle will make it cause more damage to the opponent. Combining this with the grace and beauty of the traditional makes me a better and more effective martial artist... and to be able to pass this knowledge on to others makes it worth all the effort. I am truly grateful to all my teachers (sport and traditional) as every piece of information handed to me is valuable...priceless in fact... and makes me the martial artist that I am. My advice to you: take in all that you can, use all that you want, pass everything on with the same respect that it was given to you.

Never underestimate the power of a woman Hobz...someday that Orange Belt may clean your clock! Something to add to the subject. I am not now nor have I ever been a feminist but I do believe in equal opportunity for both sexes. However, I do not believe that lowering the standards for females makes it fair and equal...it only serves to promote sexism and makes it unfair to those who set and met the standards in the first place.

"I canno' do it Capn'! I canno' make them start and end in the same place!" It is (IMO) physically impossible UNLESS you shorten a few of the stances...so what's a person to do HobbitBob? Seriously, thank you all for the responses to my quandry. I appreciate the help. I'll keep you updated on my trek into the Taegeuks and if I ever find the answer to the puzzle you all will be the first to know!

The reason that many schools teach left foot forward is that a majority of the population is right handed and will also be in this stance. It also allows for powerful techniques with the right hand/foot. Eventually you will learn, through foot work drills, to spar the other way. I agree with Ghost, ignore him.

Exactly, Black Belt classes are for all dans. It is not too difficult to teach black belts in a mixed class as their skill level should be such that they to do not require as much individual attention as colored belts. You are expected to be able to learn quickly and practice efficiently. Anything you learn in class you are expected to practice outside of class so that it can be critiqued, not relearned, the next class. Believe me, there are many, many things to learn after you reach black belt.

Kip-ups take a lot of back and stomach strength along with practice, practice, practice!

Well all I can say is good luck and enjoy!!! Sounds like you'll be very very busy!!!!

It seems like a whole bunch of kata to learn as a beginner. How long until you will be able to test? Normally there is about 3-4 months between belt tests until you reach purple, then the time gets longer...up to six months.

Well said. Kata is so much more than a bunch of punches and kicks put together in a pattern. They are full of important lessons and treasures that can take a lifetime to uncover and learn.

HMMMM.....I believe they teach the heians, the first one usually learned at yellow belt. Are you learning the first half of heian shodan? If so, that may be proper to teach the other half after you are promoted. All schools have their differences .

You should definitely do weight training if you want to play HS football and survive!!! It not only makes you stronger, it helps protect important body parts like...your neck!!! The trick for a martial artist/football player is to be faithful to a good stretching regimine so that you stay flexible as you bulk up. Lastly, martial arts should complement FB well because of the focus, balance, and body awareness that you develop in the dojo. Just make sure that you manage your time well in High School so that you don't get overwelmed. GOOD LUCK!

In my experience most martial arts do not teach kata to brand new students. They are usually not begun until you have studied for several months and have been promoted at least once. What martial art are you studying?

Welcome!

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome

Welcome!

Welcome!

Yeshua preached against legalism in all aspects of our lives. That includes the martial arts. Bow out of respect for your teacher and your art!

Bless you!

Focus and control of techniques is something that is developed over time...lots of time! Be patient, you'll get there.