singularity6

Heh, my dad used to do a lot of work out at a plant (BASF?) in Rensselaer. Nice pics, by the way. Looks fun!

It was quite warm yesterday - about 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Since I teach or a living, I got to go to the beach yesterday! I went to Portage Point on Lake Michigan, which is about a 20 minute drive, then a 5-10 minute walk to get to. The reason I chose this point, is because I knew it'd be relatively secluded. Most other beaches in the area would be crowded on a day like yesterday. At any rate, I found an area that was just big enough for me to do my forms. The ground was quite uneven, and the sand shifts as you step. It really worked my balance! I also got quite sunburned. Has anyone else had the opportunity to do forms on a beach? If not, I'd highly recommend seeking it out! Here are pictures of where I was. I was alone, so no proof I really did my forms, here. https://photos.app.goo.gl/suGKtmbAZl2s8Ixm1 https://photos.app.goo.gl/fADfiGbsAVf9frbH3 https://photos.app.goo.gl/3LGc7qJ6vkGvAS6v2

They may be ready to grade, but depends on their attitude and what they do during the physical grading itself where they may fail. I know a couple of students that are absolutely amazing when they put the effort in and have the right attitude. But then they are also shocking when they don't want to put the effort into something. I can see an issue with this for children, but not so much for adults.

After thinking about this topic some, here's what I've come up with: It would make sense if your multiple styles supplement each other. For example, if your primary style is TKD that focuses on tournament sparring? Add in boxing and some BJJ/hapkido/aikido.

An article of potential interest: http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/07/24/538294331/female-athletes-are-closing-the-gender-gap-when-it-comes-to-concussions

There are 2 schools in Michigan's Upper Peninsula that have female leads. One is taekwondo, and another is Uechi Ryu. The UP tends to be a little less progressive than a good chunk of the country when it comes to a lot of things, so I was pleased to see that 2 schools were lead by women (there aren't too many schools up here, either.)

Here's an interesting article I came across this morning while surfing for news during my morning coffee: http://time.com/3683118/working-out-not-losing-weight/?xid=time_socialflow_twitter&utm_campaign=time&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social

That really is awesome!!

As you probably know muscle is more dense than fat, so maybe you're losing inches of fat, and gaining muscle mass, hence keeping the weight relatively stable. I've told myself that a few times. I haven't convinced myself that that's what it is yet though Cutting soda is great, and you say you're eating right, but what about extra carbs? Some folks find that consciously actually rationing things like pasta, bread and rice helps them reach goals faster. Also, "whole grain" options of those same things might be a benefit, as well. Pasta and pizza are my weaknesses. I can still put down a 12" delivery pizza with no problem, and readily dispatch a half-pound of pasta (weighed before cooked) and still do from time to time. That is something I found that I need to control. Just a thought.

My heavy weight gi snaps all the time. Even when it's folded up on the closet shelf. It's a beast.

As you probably know muscle is more dense than fat, so maybe you're losing inches of fat, and gaining muscle mass, hence keeping the weight relatively stable.

I'm right there with ya!

I've had neck and hip issues, and I found that the combination of seeing a chiropractor and a physical therapist has proved to be most productive. My neck issues seem to be gone, and the hip issue almost gone. It's only taken me 3 weeks! Hi Oldbear343, and welcome to the forum! Solid advice, here.

Our school is a little different. For 10th - 5th geup, there's 100 points possible, and I think you need roughly 70 points to pass. It's broken down in category /points possible form: Attendance /5 Overall Performance /10 Forms /15 Self-Defense /5 1 or 3 step Sparring /5 Sparring /5 Hand Techniques /10 Foot Techniques /10 Stance /10 Balance/Posture /5 Falls/Rolls /5 Terminology /5 Ki-Hap /5 Breaking /5 We are generally not tested unless we are ready, so failures are rare (but do happen.) A poor test performance could result in a temporary promotion, but you'll be forced to retest for that rank at the next testing. We are also a small school, so testing only happens 3 or 4 times per year. Our style is also slower at progressing (when compared to a lot of WT Federation schools.) Lowest belts tend to go for 3+ months between testing, and this time increases as you advance. For example, people frequently stay at green belt (6th and 5th geup) for a total of a year or so.

I too have hopes to teach martial arts at some point. The easiest solution at this point, in my opinion, would be to just continue as a student (maybe assist in teaching when appropriate) and get another rank, or two. Then open your own school. Regarding Facebook: I was on Facebook since its inception, when it was "college students only." It started off fun, but the larger my friends list got, the more stressful it became. The negatives were far outweighing the positives. At first, culling my friends list seemed to help. Eventually, I just deleted my profile. I freed up a whole bunch of time, and now have much less stress! Also, if the comments you mentioned were indeed bullying, you can report them to Facebook. They will respond appropriately.

That sucks.

I have not actually heard this before. The color of thread is controlled based on your grading? I thought that was what the color of the belt was for. I know, I quoted you twice for the same post, but they're different ideas... I also don't understand why in some organizations different ranks wear different color gis, have different color trim on their gis, different patches (especially black belt club, instructor, and master). Doesn't the belt itself pretty much say all that? I'm ok with it for the little kids if it motivates them and all, but adults? Should an adult get an "awesome kicks!" patch? Do school aged children need honor roll patches on their gis? I see them in catalogs, so I know they're out there. There's a local TKD school that allows students to buy gis (dobaks?) with trim on the lapel and stripes on the pants that matches their belt. That's not just for black belts either. Why? Are they fashion conscious and want their gis to make their belts "pop" or something? It's more likely a way to sell the students more stuff, but still. I'm a fan of everyone wearing an all white gi (or all black if that's the tradition). School kanji and logos either embroidered or on as patches, and that's pretty much it. No huge logos and school names on the back, no multi-colored gis or "demo team" special gis, etc. I guess I'm old school, being 41 and all For the most part, our school has a simple logo patch on the upper-left chest portion of our uniform (similar to my avatar, but only red and white - no blue.) The founder of my school is artistically inclined, and designed a nifty logo with a dragon, Korean Hangul, and the name of our school that was intended to be embroidered on the back of jackets and uniforms. My wife bought me the embroidery for Christmas last year, and I had it put on a heavy-weight gi. Aside from that one uniform, I'm fine with a plain theme with, or without our patch.

Hey, welcome to the forum!

Interesting... I have a tendency to block with my face!

This was an interesting thread. Seeing that most weapons martial artists train in are merely extensions of our bodies, it would make sense if we started weapon training once we were comfortable with using our body. Some students start training with fans at yellow belt for competition purposes. Other weapons are generally reserved for blue or red belts.

I just bought a Shock Doctor cup/shorts combo from Amazon.com (it was on sale for $12, or so, down from $30 or $40.) It fits well, and is reasonably comfortable. The cup protrudes a bit more than I prefer (it looks a bit inappropriate.) Anyone else have experiences with these? Recommendations for an affordable cup?

Yeah, head injuries are scary. We practice on a hard tile floor (a local church rents their gym to us for very little money per year.) While there are mats for training our hapkido and self defense, they're the fold-up kind, and it's easy to find your way off of those. I've hit my head once (lightly) on the tile from a dumb fall, and the thoughts of how bad that COULD be kinda washed over me.

You make some very good points, there. Thanks! Just to have or to use? If your planning on using them for Tameshigiri I would suggest spending the money and buying something that will withstand the rigors of cutting. Also read up on the Shinken and read what others have said before buying anything. You will notice than many will say for soft targets only and others will say for both soft and hard. It's depending on the steel the process of heat treating and how and what it was made for. Blade geometry comes into play along with many other factors. If you are buying it for use make sure to do the research before investing. This would not be a weapon to scrimp on. It may cost you more than you could ever save. Good luck. I appreciate the advice! My iaito is intended for practice. When it comes to a live blade, I'm probably going to just have them on display (the only person who taught iaido here is no longer teaching, from what I can tell.) I don't think I'd hesitate to use them for cutting, however. Paul Chen's business model was based on providing the population with blades suitable for all types of practice (simple drawing, light cutting, heavy cutting, etc.) Besides, I'd feel less bad about scuffing up a blade that cost me ~$300 than I would scuffing a blade that cost me ~$3000. I understand your thought process because I am a total cheap skate, but... I wasn't really concerned about scuffing the blade. I am aware of Paul Chen's blades. I don't personally own one but do know others that own them. However you should look at the blade material (steel) and what the characteristics of it are for intended use before buying a sword based on price alone. I am not talking about how good the adornments are or how the sword looks. The only thing I find important is the blade itself and how it is mounted. A small concern would be the material used for the tsuka ito as well. Wouldn't want your sword flying through the air when your hands get sweaty. You also wouldn't want your blade flying out due to a poor mekugi. The old expression goes "it's all fun and games until someone gets their eye poked out". Well thats not the greatest concern with Shinken. Oops! There goes an arm. A scuff would be the least of your concerns if you choose the wrong blade for the intended purpose. Not all "live" or "combat" blades are made equally. There is a huge difference between 1045, 1080, 1095, L6 Bainite, Etc. when it comes to toughness, durability, flexibility, ductility, ability to maintain an edge, and so on, etc. etc. etc. You may also want to know the depth of the Sori and the geometry of the blade. Thickness, width, length, length of the Tsuka. All of these factors play in to personal preference but they also effect the cutting effectiveness of the blade. I am merely pointing out that cheap is not always better especially when it comes to Shinken. A little research goes a long way in being satisfied with the sword you choose. Price is important but performance is equally important when choosing a Shinken and so is safety in purchasing the right sword for the purpose. An Iaito is another story.

I don't have a black belt, yet. But I hope to in a few years. I would highly recommend that anyone who starts martial arts training at an older age (I started at 36) without a history of athletic training go get checked out by a doctor, first. I really wish I met up with a physical therapist and maybe a chiropractor before jumping in. I suspect I'd be getting ready for 4th geup soon, rather than testing for 5th geup.

Agreed! We have a student who joined our taekwondo class who already has black belts in judo, Uechi Ryu karate, kobudo (focused on niganata) and who also fenced in college. He has a very unique perspective on things, and his input can be very helpful (provided you're not overwhelmed!)