focus102

Ever heard of the dyslexic insomniac who was also agnostic? She sat up all night wondering if there really is a doG. !!

Does anybody know of any resources (books, websites, supply stores) about learning how to write Chinese (or Japanese) calligraphy? I can't seem to find anything about it on the web or in book stores. Maybe because all the resources are in Chinese which I don't read. Anyway, I do calligraphy in a couple of languages and I want to add Asian languages. I think the letters look beautiful.

At this point I haven't commited to one system yet. I am kinda leaning to the internal kung fu arts. But I'd switch if I found a high caliber instructor in another art. I am a bit of a perfectionist so whichever one I choose, I want to learn right. If I find someone that can teach me an art perfectly, that's the one I'll do.

Ironicaly I was assaulted the day after my first martial arts class. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I apparently witnessed something though I don't know what. I obviously had not yet acquired any self defense skills so I looked the attacker straight in the eye and yelled on the top of my lungs. In his momentary confusion I ran straight into the street in front of all the cars. My only advice to everyone is not to go into a dangerous place.

Hi all! Would anyone know of any grandmasters that teach in the greater NY area? I had a bad experience in my current dojo with incompetent instruction. I looked around at a couple of schools and they all seem to be more of a business than anything else. This is not what I'm interested in. I want to learn from someone authentic who's been in MA for a long time and is knowlegable. Hence my search for a grandmaster. (Am I being too picky?) Well if anyone can refer me anywhere I would be gratefull. Thanks.

I've heard of bikers and joggers shaving their legs to decrease air resistance. Believe it or not the tiny bit of air resistance due to hair does make a difference in speed.

When I started out in MA I didn't know anything about the different styles. I just went to the nearest Dojo. I think a lot of beginners don't properly research the various styles and as a result end up at any random Dojo. After practising a few months (and reading every post in these forums!) I started to learn about the differences in style. I also learned to properly diagnose my Dojo as a McDojo and now I am actively searching for a new one and a style for me.

Can someone explain the button ranking system. How does it compare with the belt ranking system? A wu-su school in my area uses this system.

I fold it, tie the belt around it and sling it over my shoulder.

Hi all! I discovered these forums a couple of weeks ago and have been enthusiastically reading threads since then. I started martial arts by accident- I took a free class for the heck of it and then I said I'll do a month because it seemed fun, then two months because it's good exercise... Well, it's been five months now and I'm not stopping anytime soon. I'm hooked and I love it. These forums are a GREAT resource and I am learning a lot. I've been telling my MA friends about these forums so you might see some new members soon!

Excuse my ignorance but are there Kata in Pa Kua? Are they called by another name in this style? I am obviously new to MA and I appreciate all the replies.

I had to stop training two months ago because of torn ligaments in my ankle. It's the worst thing that could happen to me. I keep on bugging the physical therapist about when I could go back. But I'm also nervous to go back because I'm worried it will happen again.

Hi, What qualities should I look for in a MA instructor? People say I should make sure my instructor is "good". What does this mean? Also, is it OK if the head instructor does not teach the class but has some of his students (first dan) do so?

Has anyone ever heard of Pa Kua (or Ba Gua). I have recently started training in it but it seems nobody has heard of it. Is this a legitimate style? Where does it rank on the totem pole of martial arts?