Archimoto

I did it and I'll admit that it's the most FUN that I'll never want to have again! I recommend it - its a cool experience - but definitely train for it otherwise it will be a miserable day. I prepared for several months and had a blast. Good luck !

Very cool

Nice. I like that - in particular where you demo and ask what you're doing wrong. Oddly enough I've read that these are the same techniques they recommend to people teaching or presenting to adults in a corporate setting!

Ha funny! Good question! Was he perhaps too scared to call them liars?

Who would win a fight between Chuck Norris and Jack Baur ??? I know...mind blowing!

Great question !!!

Thank you thank you !!

There's no question that Ronda is a gifted fighter. At the same time I think it's also clear that her division needs new blood. Otherwise she'll have to either change weight class or be satisfied with never being more than a co-main event.

I was thinking the same thing. His corner was hilarious saying that he arrived with his toe like that! Leading the doctor to come into the ring to speak to Uriah directly. Good stuff!

Totally agree! And yet I couldn't stop watching!

I agree with you completely! Machida is one of my favorite fighters so it's hurts to say this but: It's a shame that Machida spent his prime, or what was left of it while at the UFC, refusing to fight his good friend Anderson Silva and as a result fought as a Light Heavyweight for far too long. It's clear that he's a natural Middleweight but at 36 I think it's too late to make a run. Sadly I think it's time for him to retire. He's a warrior, a great fighter, but timing is everything and it's simply not his time...and it won't be anytime soon.

There is great wisdom in your post! I've reread it many times - thank you! The line above sums it up perfectly as I share a very similar perspective with regard to MA. Interestingly, my approach to the same conclusion has been different. For reasons I won't bore you with I started in non-traditional MA and trained this way for many many years. It was not until recently that I switched to a traditional MA - again for reasons I won't bore you with. An unexpected result is that I believe that I have a strong appreciation for the traditional because of my non-traditional roots. And I'm really enjoying putting it all together. My journey in MA is far from over ( I HOPE! ) but if I had to do it all over again from the start I wouldn't change a thing because it's been an excellent approach FOR ME. In some respect one could say that there are many paths to take as a MA'ist, the important thing is to take the one that suits you. Thanks again for your most excellent post !

Thanks!

Great post !!!

Truer words have never been spoken !!!

I'm torn on this one because I truly like, admire, and respect both fighters. I'm happy either way. I simply hope they put on a good fight!

Totally agree. Quick update: So today for the first time I broke 5 boards (the thick ones and without spacers) with a half step side kick - cut through it like butter. I know that many here can do better but for me it's been a lot of work on my technique and also - and more importantly - on my timing. I am slowly appreciating more and more the value of board breaking. Forward and onward from here. My GM said something about "bricks" afterward. He's a lovely person with a thick Korean accent so I didn't quite get what he meant. I'm not sure if he means that's what we'll work on next. Doesn't matter - either way I'll follow his lead. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Cheers!

I like this approach.

Very cool! Love the pic. Always good to put a face to a name. By the way, that's a serious mantle in the background! Is that Greg's?

Wow Shizentai, great perspective!

Wow thank you guys ! This is a terrific board and has been for a long time because of its members. Thanks for noticing my infinitesimally small contribution. I will try to keep it up!

O SAY CAN YOU SEE

I agree with a lot of what's been said and I do think the scolding is out of line. However I disagree with the notion that if one is not interested in full contact then one should try Tae Bo instead. In my opinion everyone that is training in martial arts is trying to become a better version of themselves physically and mentally. As students and instructors we are there to learn and to help those around us learn too. Sometimes that involves elevating our pain threshold, at others it can involve learning discretion and self control among other things. All of which of course make us better martial artists inside and outside of the ring. I understand that you want your son to train hard core all of the time - and I am a firm believer in parents knowing what is best for their kids (I have 3 myself) - I humbly suggest however that this kind of experience can be a great learning moment for him. In particular in his development as a martial artist and especially as a fighter. Some of the greatest fighters seem to have a tremendous presence of mind - even while going toe to toe. Learning to read who's in front of him can become an invaluable skill. Just my humble opinion.

I agree. However I saw this coming from the group draws - it's hard to believe it was completely random because most of the big teams were neatly lumped together. Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist but the draw was perfect for brasil and Argentina. By the way, I'm not anti futbol - as a matter of fact I follow it all year long including internationally at the club level. It's a beautiful sport. It's simply that this world cup's draw raised a few too many eye brows.

Indeed. Now for tomorrow - go USA!!!