Archimoto

I think I learned about this site from DWx, or at least someone on this board. Just read this article on patterns and find it very insightful, thought I'd share: http://tkdtutor.com/articles/topics/patterns/138-what-are-patterns/697-punctuate-your-performance Some of you have alluded to this on other threads, and so has my GM. I have often played with the tempo of a pattern and find the example of the sentence in the article fascinating. Certainly the blocks in a pattern can punctuate differently from strikes. I'm still processing this because often times when watching patterns I don't notice any punctuation. Just a monotonous motion. This is definitely a topic I look forward to sharing with my GM!

Thanks for the links! Fascinating!

Consider me a board breaking convert !!! Thanks for the advice !!! Will follow it closely

I don't know enough about your space or your situation so this may not work, but have you considered making your board into a beautifully crafted permanent fixture or installation? If this can work, you might spend a little more on quality material, spend a little time on a well crafted assembly, and some creativity to make it a piece or work of art in the room. I can think of many reasons why this isn't appealing but thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

Being a long time Jeet Kune Do practitioner, and a recent student of Tae Kwon Do, I recall rolling my eyes at the idea of breaking boards. The joke always was: "boards don't hit back!" But I'm writing to share a recent epiphany that I've had with board breaking and to share that my evolution as a TKD practitioner and more importantly as a Martial Artist has developed, among other things, a strong appreciation for board breaking and it's value as a training tool. During my first board breaking session I recall lining up for my round house kick, delivering my kick in spectacular fashion, the board splintering into smithereens, aaaaaaaand immediately thereafter a pain in my pinky toe where I swear if I closed my eyes I could hear it screaming for dear life. To make a long story less long, after years of sparring and even fighting Muay Thai in the ring, I am blown away by the level of refinement to form and technique that is made possible by board breaking. Curious if anyone else has had a similar experience, or if you have thoughts in general on board breaking.

Perfectly put I recall my grandmaster being asked the same question and he answered the question with a question, he asked the student: "what would you like for lunch exactly one year from now? A lot will depend on your setting, who you're with, and how you're feeling." He closed his response by urging students to train, practice, he reminded everyone that there's more to martial arts than just self defense, to keep an open mind, and if ever face with a physical situation, and if you've practiced all of the above, to trust your instincts!

One of the many reasons I love this message board is that I get to read about arts that I have no experience with. I find many articles, like this one, super interesting. The World Wide Web, among other advances, is making the world a much smaller place and cross pollination is inevitable. Personally I've studied more than one art and I remain true to each without mixing respective elements but there's a fastidiousness in some martial artists that is simply not possessed by many. I think this topic presents a perfect example of things to come as the world gets smaller and smaller. I try to channel it where I can, adapt when I can't, and embrace it all the same.

Great post. I spend a lot of time in my garden and find it to be a big part of my life. It's my sanctuary, my laboratory, my secret hide away, sometimes my training area and at other times my classroom. On a daily basis it reminds me that I am essential and at the same time entirely insignificant. I find great wisdom in my garden ! By the way, great pics in your garden! Looks like you're having fun !

Hello and welcome !!! It's nice to see a fellow gardener join the ranks !

Good thread and great feedback PS1! Would love to hear how it goes Kanku, please post an update!

Solid post !!!

I agree with you but want to point out that each of us will age, evolve, refine, and as we grow older our role and value also evolves. I agree that a black belt should be able to demonstrate the skills, at the same time, I think that older practitioners have tremendous value, even if they have difficulty demonstrating a skill they might be great teachers and as such are worthy of their black belt. For instance, I'm a student of Dan Inosanto - who at the ripe old age of 70-ish has difficulty demonstrating certain skills. However, to this day he is one of the greatest teachers I have ever known. He's true black belt indeed. With that said I know what you meant, I'm simply adding that an ability to teach is as good as an ability to demonstrate skill.

I can very much appreciate your position. Life experiences have led me to a very similar perspective. Good post!

I forget how that ends. One of my favorite FW flicks is Last King of Scotland He was superb

Congrats! A tremendous accomplishment!!!

Congrats Mazzy!!!

Woohoo congratulations!

What do you think of the instruction that your receiving? I ask because I think it's best to find a school that offers more hours per week BUT ONLY if the quality of instruction is comparable. 2 hours per week with a great instructor is time well spent.

Anyone catch the fight over the weekend? I completely agree with Joe Rogan's assessment of the fight. Dilleshaw fought a masterpiece. Curious if anyone else here saw it and had an opinion.

Ditto!

I agree 100% !!! That's why at times it's best not to think about belts and simply focus on a lifelong pursuit of personal betterment.

In my experience ectomorphs, or lanky folks, tend to do very well with BJJ - or as well as anyone else. As a matter of fact I find that the lanky ones can have an easier time applying submissions, like a triangle choke for instance. I have often wished I was a little more ectomorphish

I agree with what Zaine said. It's all about perspective in my opinion. Is one less of a martial artist for learning more than one art? Is one less of a musician for playing more than one instrument? I say no, but that's just my opinion.