Archimoto

That's hilarious You know, I'm ok with spiders but rodents make my skin crawl. I think it has to do with elementary school social studies class. I recall reading, as a child, the roll rodents played in the spread of disease. Being a neat freak - this made a lasting impression.

Good morning y'all! Aside from MA specific classes and training, I try to run 5 miles at a moderate pace (aerobic zone) at least 2 if not 3 days per week if the work schedule allows. Curious whether and how you guys focus on your cardio. To be clear, I'm not saying that you can't work on cardio while in class, just curious what type of cardio some of you are working on. I find running to be beneficial in a variety of ways. When I increase the distance it is in fact therapeutic - you hear your breathing, your steps, the sounds around you, your mind wanders, it can be meditative. I also make sure to keep a comfortable pace, which in my case means very slow. The result is that I don't over stress my knees so I can keep running and running, I don't go above my aerobic zone so my cardio gets better and better, and a slow pace helps strengthen the ligaments in my knees which helps in and out of MA class. And lastly, I've made some very good friends who run - a comfortable pace keeps us conversational so you really get to know your running mates. I've thought about swimming but I'm enjoying my runs too much! Curious what others are up to.

That's an excellent point! For those that don't compete that's where I see sparring as being super beneficial. It's an integral part of training and a great motivator!

Welcome!

Good times!

Big props to Hammer. I think you've handled the situation remarkably well!

It's for this reason that I don't really focus on lineage. Proof is on the floor. Just because I learn from X instructor who learned from X instructor who learned from X instructor doesn't mean I am good, nor does it mean those who came before were good. Spot on!

Meditation! It's a great way to prepare at the beginning and unwind at the end. There are some great articles on it online though, I suggest checking them out!My first school didn't do it period. My Sensei didn't like to do it for religious reasons (we tried to explain that it wasn't religious but he wouldn't hear it). Oh cool thanks. We start every class with a few minutes of meditation. It's terrific.

Even professionals (doctors, attorneys, architects, etc.) have to meet continuing education requirements that are State mandated to achieve a minimum number of learning units per year. Why should it be any different for martial artists? I think it's important for so many different reasons for anyone who teaches anything to continue learning.

Above I mentioned the toughest part of MA for me at this time - transitioning from MT kicks to TKD kicks. However, as a long time MA practitioner and instructor I believe the toughest part for most people is understanding that MA is a lifelong journey toward personal betterment - physically, mentally, and in every aspect of your life.

MA has helped me become a better person physically and mentally - I can't emphasize this enough. In this regard my goal is to continue my MA journey and to pass it on to others, especially my children.

Solid

What is mokuso?

This is a really tough situation. In the end, i think it's one where patience is a virtue!

Hi, interesting situation. based on what you're saying here's what I think. If choosing between speaking up or shutting up I say do neither. You clearly trust and respect your sensei so I suggest rolling with it, be supportive, and be POSITIVE about it. If you take this approach I think it will be appreciated by your sensei, your peers, and your students. And in the end, it will work itself out and more importantly you'll feel better. Just my opinion.

Cool Will look those up. Thanks!!!

I totally agree. Like other sports, if they want to increase viewership, perhaps look at the structure of point scoring and perhaps the rounds. But stay true to the sport. I think just getting rid of the padding would make the event more exciting, and much less of a point game. It would also change the strategies just a bit, but not so much that it wouldn't be WTF TKD anymore. More contact related strategy would ensue, making it much more fun to watch, I think.I like that idea too!!!

I LOVE this post! Sorry, just sayin'

I have very mixed feelings about this thread. I agree that MMA meatheads are aggravating....but a no-holds-barred challenge along with a few comments in this thread makes one sound like a traditional martial arts meathead. I'm not saying that you are one - instead I respectfully suggest that on this issue you might consider simply chilling out. From what I'm reading it sounds like you have nothing to prove to yourself - that's a good thing. Who cares what MMA meatheads think?

For me it's transitioning the kicking technique from years of Muay Thai to TKD which I am now training. Both styles are wonderful, AND very different.

Welcome to KF!

Typing on an iPad so I'll keep it brief! I say humility and perseverance.

^ so true!

I have to agree. Our character determines if we stand for something. And to me , that's everything!