singularity6

We do static stretching before every class (yeah, it's old-school.) When I'm home and training, I don't do much stretching until the end. My warm up tends to consist of moving around (twists, bends, etc) for a bit, maybe some exercises with light dumbbells, push ups, sit ups, and then I hit the bag or do forms (sometimes both.) For the bag work, I start off slow - strikes are not hard, and if I kick, I kick low. Then I work up to my max height, with considerable power after a bit. Then I go through my stretching routine as a cool-down. I found my flexibility has improved more that way than doing things the old-school way. Another thing that's helped me, is strengthening my hips. I did a lot with various leg lifts (you can do an internet search for details.) Also, this video has been quite helpful, if you haven't already seen it:

The actual definition: "Having comprehensive or authoritative knowledge." To me, comprehensive and authoritative are 2 different things. One can achieve comprehensive knowledge after investing a sufficient amount of time to practice (i.e., earning a bachelor's degree or a black belt.) To have authoritative knowledge, it would seem that one should be excelling in ones field - either extending the existing knowledge, or being in charge of what is known. In this case, it would only be high ranking instructors (or folks who've completed graduate programs in college.) While I have a few degrees in math and teach at a community college, I do not consider myself to be an expert. And, I'm only half way to my black belt (so no expertise there!)

Something isn't setting right with me on this topic. Ultimately, it feels like we're using a band-aid to treat a much bigger problem. A lot of the violent crime - "crimes of passion" - involve people who get overheated about something, and use whatever's around as a weapon. Guns, knives, lamps, golf clubs... anything handy, really. This will never change and isn't part of the "bigger problem" that I'm sensing. The bigger problem is calculated mass murder. Passing new laws, having armed guards (or teachers?!) or convincing folks they need to train for such situations isn't, in my opinion, all that helpful. One should be able to defend oneself, I'm on board with that. But shouldn't we be looking at more preventative things, as well? This is where some of the other non-physical teachings of martial arts come in. *Being respectful to those around you *Being mindful of what you say and how you say it Other things can be added. I think this is enough for now.

So do you train at a school that only uses white and black? I do know that back in the day there were dojos where the only belts they used were white and black, they had no in between colors, but I've never known of any modern dojo that does that. No, we use white -> yellow -> green -> blue -> red -> black like most schools. There are some advantages to the color system, but overall, I feel it's a bit convoluted and causes a bit of a contradiction. Many schools claim they have uniforms so everyone is "treated as equals" or something along those lines, but then there are belt colors.

Could he not have turned 17 the following spring? Many people graduate before they turn 18.

I feel both situations exist. I teach for a living. For the most part, my students really like me and the way I teach. Occasionally, there is one I fail to reach, or that I struggle to get along with. Sometimes I might see that person as a bad student. Other times it's just an incompatibility. I'm sure it's the same from their perspective. Regardless, perception is reality for most people.

This is wonderful! Congrats!

Awesome news! Congratulations!

Personally, I'd be fine wearing a white belt until I earn my black belt. My friend made a solid case for why more rank indicators are a good thing. He comes from a very large school, and the instructors sometimes need to travel between locations. That instructor may not be too familiar with the students at a particular location, but by knowing rank at a glance, the instructor can then know about what's appropriate for the lessons, and what isn't.

We have a student who has a few black belts. Judo, Uechi Ryu, Naganata and I think Iaido. He brings his grandson to class, who's 10, and the same rank as I am. Our instructors treat him as a black belt (even though his knowledge of our style is somewhere around green.)

Does someone in your class have a nice, solid kick? Work with them for a while (in person.) I am one of the least flexible in my class, but my classmates and instructors all say they feel it when I kick the shields.

It kinda looked like the Miami fight was thrown. The guy just went down, and it didn't look like the punch even connected all that well.

Happy birthday!

Interesting thoughts, here. So... if someone breaks into one's home, is one better off going to town with MA? Or should one just shoot'em?

We start off learning round kicks with the instep. Eventually (blue or red belt?) we use the ball of the foot.

Interesting thoughts here. I recall the first time I saw Uechi Ryu forms. To me, they looked more like mating rituals of Birds of Paradise than martial art forms. I had a hard time identifying the flow, and the techniques looked silly. Educating myself on the art helped substantially!

Congrats!

Probably, depending on the school. Some folks claim that aikido can be "softer," which could be an option.

I think books are great as a reference and for history. Illustrations of vital spots can also be handy. I think that one might be able to refresh oneself with a book (e.g., someone quits MA for a few years and needs a reminder of their forms.) Outside of these things, I think books can be rather limited.

Our school is ultra-critical of technique. Front, round and side kicks are all basic, and they make sure we have proper form (includes the chamber) before we get promoted. If I were to attempt a side kick like the one shown and miss (or blocked) during sparring, I'd either end up getting knocked in the back of the head, or on the ground in a choke hold.

Do you think my static stiffness affects my performance? i have no pain in my limbs and can kick fluently as long as it's fast. Take it from an old guy. You may be able to force the height now without damage but as you age you will find that damage is looking for you. Forcing your leg to stretch passed it's normal limits will eventually catch up with you. Developing actual flexibility so you can legitimately perform these kicks will save you a lot of discomfort later in life. Take the time and stretch everyday and you will eventually get to the point where you can do these without relying on momentum. Your body will thank you for it later in life. Just my 2 cents. I've been careful to not over-stretch, and I try to stretch regularly. Typically 4-5 days per week (though the past couple weeks have been less due to house renovations.)

So, the house we bought was essentially "move-in-ready" in the sense that we liked everything about it, cosmetically. We did know that the plumbing (galvanized) and electrical (most of it is original at 80 years old) needed some work. Well, $2100 got all the plumbing in the basement and kitchen replaced. Redoing the bathrooms pose more of a challenge, as that would involve getting through walls without damage... that'll be another $1k when we can afford it. The electrical is getting done now - a friend and I are doing it ourselves. He's really handy with a drill, and so far, we're not having to do anything to any of the plaster walls or hardwood floors! The major drawback there is that we've spent about 20 hours so far, and have only grounded 3.5 outlets, installed 2 light fixtures and an additional outlet. During this process, we found out that my refrigerator is on the same circuit as the garage, and parts of several rooms... Ugh. We'll be running at least 3 new 20 amp circuits (bathroom, fridge, garage) as well as updating outlets as we go.

Happy birthday, man!

I use the second method. I prefer the tails to be about a foot long, but my current belt hangs down a bit further. It annoys me because it sometimes slaps me in the face when I do certain kicks.

How can you tell his kick is weak from a photo?