ninjanurse

Welcome!

I agree here.

Congratulations!!!

Poor quality picture...but the models make up for it!! http://www.karateforums.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=424

YES!!!!! We finally got some snow in the Finger Lakes!!!! We are at about 2 feet at my house and it is still snowing....I just love it! Thursday and Friday I have a snowboarding clinic to go to...FRESH POWDER!!!!!!!!!! I just hope I can get to the ski area !

Practice sparring drills moving backwards. This trains you to keep centered so you can keep from getting knocked down or out of the ring....and score when they think they have you on the run!

There is a lot more to be learned from martial arts than just fighting....patience, humility, respect, etc., are just a few. If these are not part of your plan for yourself then you should definitely find a school that focuses on what you want.

I keep a notebook and have encouraged my students to do the same. I also require a training journal when they reach red belt.

Welcome....and happy flipping!!

Welcome!

Good article. Thanks!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Well said!!!

There are always viruses going around no matter where you are-and adults sometimes have the same hygiene habits as kids so I am not sure that moving to a school with all adults is the answer-besides you may have gotten it at the supermarket for all you know. Good handwashing after class may help as well as politely asking those who cough or sneeze to cover up or sit out. I always remind my students of this during the "flu" and cold season so that we don't "share"!

1. It all comes down to posture . When you bend at the waist you pull yourself to one side and lose balance-try to keep your upper body in line with your lower body and this will help. 2. To improve your hook kick/heel kick , etc., think about this...a hook kicks power is generated by the side-kick motion just prior to the "hook" so if the side kick motion is weak you will not generate enough momentum to spin around and execute another kick.

OUr main school has Swain Mats trough out which are like artificial tatami. There are great! My school has hardwood which I like too. I think it is good to train on different surfaces from time to time-especially concrete, blacktop, grass, etc.; with shoes, without shoes, etc. Helps to prepare you for the unexpected!

Welcome!

Good topic! I myself am the former...I got into TKD to round out the other arts I was studying at the time.

I like Tony Dungy-no matter what team he coaches-so I am routing for the Colts this time. I hope it's a good game because this will be the first Superbowl I have been off for in several years!

Welcome!

Welcome!

I did 4 hours of snowboarding yesterday and today....great leg and core workout!!!!

My tests are just like Laurie's. Once they pass through me they go to the main school and perform their form/kata for the Master Instructor who approves them for graduation to the next rank...or not!

We have a Probationary Black Belt (for 1st gup testing for shodan)-you must test for Confirmation within one year. After confirmation 1st and 2nd Dans can test every 6 months for intermediate grades (the confirmed rank is "novice", then there is "intermediate" and "advanced"). 3rd dans test every 12 months for "intermediate" and "advanced"; 4th dans every 24 months (no "intermediate" grade-just "advanced"); 5th dans 5yrs ; and 6th dans 6 years.