Archimoto

Ha! You may not win a championship today because time catches up with all of us. But I bet you're a much better MA teacher now than you were back then. And passing on the art is essential. So the proof remains on the floor - even if it's your students! You might be example #3 in steri's solid post above...

I happen to agree with sensei8 but you raise a good point. I suppose it's the value of your rank - or the way it's perceived - that will vary depending on whether you're person 1 versus person 2 in your example above.

I completely agree. I am a long time JKD practitioner. I've been lucky to have studied under a few very good instructors including Dan Inosanto. Until I met guru Dan I had struggled with reconciling Bruce Lee's philosophy with the narrow-minded teachings and application of some instructors. I have enjoyed my journey in JKD, and continue to so, however, more so than with other arts I believe it's SUPER important to find a good instructor and to have a proper grasp of JKD's philosophy.

Wow!!!

I remember being terrified the first time I sparred. Now, I find it relaxing no matter who I'm sparring with. Nothing helps you tune out the complexities of life like going to battle - in a strange way it's quite meditative.

Solid original post and solid thread. Good to hear what everyone goes through with sparring.

I'm on the same diet although my weakness is caffeine and...good scotch. :)

Funny, but perfectly put! @ellacooper: just dive in to your training with reckless abandon and a true heart. If it's meant to be then one day you'll know the significance of each and every belt!

I recommend googling the history of each art as a good place to start. And I'm not trying to be funny - I mean it - to know the origin of an art is essential.

So after a week of doing the Asian Squat Challenge my hip mobility has improve and it's especially noticeable in my round house kicks. Sticking with it, kind of excited to see where this goes after one month of practice. To be honest, it's become quite meditative. Sitting in the Asian squat for 30-minutes each day...the mind begins to wander and of course relax.

Interesting question. Personally, looking back over the years I realize that the more experience I gained, the higher my rank, the more private I was about MA. When I was younger I would wear MA tees in public. Now, MA is a bigger part of my life than it ever was and I don't own a single tee. Not sure why that is, just an observation inspired by your question. Hmmmm....

Funny. I'm exactly the same way. I also make a point of not talking about it at work because I learned that you never know how people will react to it no matter how you discuss it. Years ago I mentioned to my coworkers that I train - in fact it came up in harmless conversation and I never mentioned it again. However, one of the guys was a very insecure wannabe alpha-type and he kept harassing me about it for years. Like sneaking up on me at the water cooler, etc. it was funny for a day or two but quickly got out of hand and very awkward. I learned in that experience to be more careful about discussing MA.

Thank you guys! This is a great message board - liking it more and more. A friendly board with lots of good info!

Good to hear! Thanks for sharing. Might give that a shot too.

Thanks guys!

Wow. Good question! In truth I'm training at a school near my house, the instructor is TERRIFIC, and I never even considered what type of TKD it is. I'm not familiar with the difference - I shall research! And of course report back!

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.

Agreed. The only thing I would add is that western martial arts may not be prolific today but it does not mean that they didn't exist long ago. Cultural and political influence over time played a large part in the general alienation of western martial arts.

It's important to get the right proteins and carbohydrates at the right time. Plenty of vegetarian options including supplements that help a lot. I recommend reading Gary Null's book, Ultimate Lifetime Diet. He's over the top but take what suits you and work with it. This book was a life changer for me - hope it helps!

Sounds cool but I would wait until Starbucks has a location on Mars. By then, all other infrastructure should be in place for quality of life...no?

That's a great feeling

After many years of practicing JKD, Muay Thai, and BJJ, I've decided to try something entirely new to me: TKD! I loved being a white belt and am super proud of just earning my yellow belt! Martial Arts is truly about the journey. Enjoy and make the most of each and every day. It's easy to get bogged down with the mundane, in this brother and sisterhood of martial arts we are most fortunate to see or at least pursue our fullest potential! We are very lucky indeed!

I do it with a bit of V shaped feet to relive stress on my knees keep going and you will do it. Bit harsh but excellent results. I have noticed a big difference even with 12.5 minutes only not 30 Good to hear. I'll keep at it!

What a wonderfully warm welcome! Thank you guys!

I must confess that I am a major foosball nut. I can't get enough of it and have played in numerous tournaments. I'm actually pretty good. One of my fondest memories is of a road trip with my college mates and somewhere along the way we ended up in a match with a guy who had no arms. He had both arms amputated at the elbow. To make a long story less long...he kicked our rears big time! As with most things, I think it's best to measure a man by what he CAN do, rather than what he can't. Know what I'm say'n? I think this applies to black belts as well...