ninjanurse

IMO and experience...TKD side kick is much easier on the knees than Karate side kick, and can provide more power if done properly.In case of sparring, the chamber can be done fast enough (with enough practice) so as not to telegraph it.

You can buy a book on it or search the web for "Chinese animal years" .

It is easy to tear your hamstring at the insertion point if you are not careful with this kick. I seen and experienced! ouch

A kata is just one of the tools used...this is not to say that other martial arts are inadequate because they do not have "kata". JuJitsu schools do have kata of sorts, each "board" is a combination of techniques that are done in succession, usually the same order. One school that I studied at had a jj "kata" which was a series of takedowns, and techniques done as both the aggressor and the "uke"-usually took 5-10 minutes to finish. I guess what I am trying to say is that since kata is a series of techniques but together in a certain pattern, it can take on many forms without being labeled as such.

Wasn't speaking directly to you..just the thread in general

Very interesting...never heard of "tree personalities". I am a fir tree-the description is very accurate. My chinese animal is the ox which is stubbon too!!!

I actually prefer sitting this way now (seiza). My new school doesn't and it feels weird!

Sounds like he has an ego problem-a bully of sorts. Definitely talk with you instructor before someone else gets hurt.

Oh no! Not another "my arts better than yours" discusssion???

I take care of my feet after each class by scrubbing off the "yuck" and using a good moisturizer. This helps keep the callouses in check and keeps the heels from cracking. I have never had any problems with my feet (save a few broken toes ).

I agree with wcnavstar and it is true that America is a society with that "get rich quick" mentality. The quicker, the easier, the better. Martial arts has a rich history and has survived the centuries because of students who strive to pass on kata and techniques as they were taught. It is a precious gift given to us by our teachers and we should pass it on with the reverence in which it was given. I myself am honored to be able to do this.

Fellow New Yorker!!! Yes a lot of schools these days use different colored GI's or combinations. Every school I have been in has been different. I have worn all white, white top/black bottom, all black, black top w/white bottom, and all red.

I'm still !!!!!

This just burns my butt... Citizens of the US protesting against freedom for another country. Who are they to decide that only they have the right to be free and that the people of Iraq shouldn't enjoy the same freedoms! They should go and live under a dictator like Saddam and then maybe they'll appreciate (and not abuse) the freedoms they have, and take an active role in supporting those that are not as fortunate. Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating the US (or any other country) imposing it's own agenda on every country in the world that doesn't have what we have. I have served my country proudly and will always be ready to defend those freedoms that others gave their lives for and to protect those that do not have the freedoms to do as we have done to make our lives FREE. End of tirade..I feel better now!

Thank you Ken! Excellent points Maestro! BTW Ken, it's the French who should be ashamed...not you! "kung yeht!"

Please see my tirade in the karate forum under the future of MA. Somehow the thread ended up over there.

I'm lost! Did we jump threads here? I'll answer here...just because! I think that Americans put way too much chemicals and crap in their mouths period. We would be a lot healthier society if people would eat whole foods and take care of their bodies. Unfortunately people think that there is a pill to cure anything and pretty much abuse their bodies to the point of illness. Then they get P.O.'s when the health care system can't fix them immediately. As far as diet sodas go....yes nutrasweet is a toxic chemical and there are other ways to satisfy your sweet tooth that are less damaging, but may require a little more self-control to avoid overdoing. I will now get off my soap box. Thank you!

The world is starting to see just what a monster Saddam is.

Guns don't hurt people...people hurt people! Can we make stupidity illegal?

Vietnamese food is THE ABSOLUTE BEST there is!!!!

Personally, from an instructors standpoint, I like to have the students broken down into Beginner (white,orange,gold), Intermediate (green,purple,blue), and advanced (brown,red). This allows for more focus on rank specific curriculum and allow lets them see the higher rank level without being overwelmed. Instructors who teach all belt levels must be very efficient in multi-tasking in order to be effective.

Here,here! Excellent point Hobbitbob...I think there is a lot to be said about this. It is truely about the person who practices the art, not the art itself. Kinda like the old cliche "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." As for instructors and their ranks, this has been discussed on other threads so I won't bore you again with my opinion, but, lets just say that I agree with tommarker !

Some people check their brain at the door....

It makes me sick!!!

Glad I could help...good luck!!!