Fenris-wolf

Um, I may be wrong, but I'm pretty damn sure that push-ups are more difficult in "normal" position that wide. At least that the consensus of everyone at my club, which is good enough for me. P.S. Don't knock the "boot", dude!

Beautifully, that is. I'm obviously not!

You are beautifically poetic, Telsun. Surely this is a personal success.

Oh, man no. I wish I could, I've only done archery briefly. Yes, I know this doesn't help you much... My mate @ Muay Thai does though occasionally and I'm trying to convince him to take me.

Man, I suck. 7/20. I should have got the one with a keyboard -I know which notes are which!!

Well, I could commiserate with you Telsun, or... I'VE GOT A NEW JOB I'VE GOT A NEW JOB I'VE GOT A NEW JOB!!! Yayyayyay, I'm so happy! Woo-hoo, for once things are working. I've got a new place (cheaper, nicer), I'm finally getting on with my family again, I'm definately going to Uni next year, my trainer says I might be able to fight in August, and I've got a new job! Haha, more money, more to do, get away from the stupid politics in this office. Random other things that are good: My hair's finally long enough to stay in when I spar. I'm having a great time at training, socially and technically. My orthotics have finally come in so I can jog! (Eugh, don't want to, have to ). Anyways, just wanted to say I love you all! I'm happy and everything is goood. :kiss:

I agree with you there Hiya, but I think (not that I know a whole lot) that that is almost precisely what yin-yang seems to represents. There is no "good" or "evil" but only opposing sides. Sure, it's tempting to devide it simplistically, but I personally believe there is almost no such thing as evil. Sure, there are "evil" acts, and people who have no redeeming charactaristics whatsoever, but they are not evil for they are still human and are still subject to human needs and emotion. Vaugely. To be more precise, I believe a person can be evil when they derive no pleasure from their acts but only cause misery and pain because it is what they know and understand. But I don't know. People use the word "evil" too easily and I try to be discriminating. Ach, I've just managed to confused myself.

Everybody fears something. Courage is to admit it, face it, and conquer it. Wow, that was soppy! The fear of death is innate, don't expect that to go away. Likely in a fight you'll be so high on adrenalin though that it's not a major factor. You really want to work on fear? Try conquering the fear of pain. ie: the instinctive physical fear that everybody gets.

Hiya. There's actually an "Introductions" forum, hopefully one of the senseis will see this thread and move it for you!

Yup, pretty much. On a personal level, I find it quite weird. There's only one guy @ my dojo who will not spar properly with me (ie: he just blocks and throws soft shots), which I respect as his decision. But I find it odd because I feel that in refusing to spar properly with me he is seeing me as a different kind of human being (which is true obviously, but you know what I mean), which makes me feel a little awkward with him. He's perfectly nice, but I will never be entirely comfortable with him like I am the other guys. As an example, the other day one of the guys just strips off his shorts in the middle of the room and I was like "Sweet, it obviously doesn't make any difference to him that I'm here". It's all good. Also, hitting a woman is as different as sparring is from bullying. I wouldn't smash a guy 20kg less than me any more than I'd expect a 85kg man to try to hurt me (hopefully).

Wow, congratulations! I hope you enjoy it as much as the anticipation.

Hum. I don't think a puppy's a good idea -buy a puppy when you need one and have the time/energy to look after one! And I agree with Chh, she probably needs more exersize. If she's on heat... Well, is she neutered/is the male dog neutered/has she had puppies/how old is she... I dunno, eh. But if she is on heat, keep a close eye on her!! Or you might have puppies sooner than you expected. Of course, it may just be her personality, but even if that's the case you could at least alleviate it by taking her out more (ie: to the park/beach/for runs/playing games not going to the movies. Yeah, that was pretty cheap)

Just say Englishman, it's easier.

OK, I've read a lot in here about MA bashing. Most people say not to tell anybody that you practice a MA because that invites antagonism. Huh?? I live in New Zealand (wee island below Australia! ), and I've never experienced this kind of bias. I am young and proud so sure, maybe I have been known to boast a bit. But always in good spirit and because MA makes up so much of my life and personality. Most people I talk to about it are interested and want to know more, or at worst just think you're a little odd for getting up @ 5am to get beaten up by your compatriots. I was just wondering if this is something that only happens in America or if it's a worldwide phenomenom. Look forward to your replies! P.S. I confess I am female so maybe the intimidation factor is taken out, but I've never witnessed or heard of any prejudice with males either, excluding brawls.

Um, Judokid... Relax! All Tibby was saying was that Judo and Jujitsu make a good mix; the "result" being that Superfighter will be able to enter the compititions he desires whilst still getting a well-rounded education in self-defence. Nobody was attacking anybody, Judokid, please don't start.

Hm, just to comment twice in a row!! (I should really try reading the whole thread before I reply. Anyway, good point, Tibby. It sucks beyond belief, but that's life.

You're right, it was very stupid, but I think what Thuggish meant is that it showed how useful it can be. Hopefully applied in a more needful way!

Haha, I just started Judo (and am starting Jujitsu next week), so now I can clinch and grapple!

Ahh, have to tell everybody this! Our Muay Thai club did some sparring with a Ninjitsu club last weekend and I am pleased to say it was no McDojo. The Sensei's a really cool guy who is very open minded about his teaching. Some of the guys there obviously went there thinking "Cool, I wanna be a Ninja!" , but all the seniors were good guys. What was really funny was there was this one guy who would not go soft! (It was light sparring -so contact but not smashing each other). He kicked one of our guys really hard in the ribs where he was still sore from his fight. He pi**ed off a lot of people and got a couple of our guys matching him for force. The sad bastard couldn't cope with getting what he got. The best bit was when our instructor stuck him with one of our best fighters and gave him an extra-long round! It was hysterical. The Ninjitsu Sensei just winked at us.

Ha! Well, as a veritable grappling expert after one Judo class, I know none of the Japanese names and a grand total of 3 holds! Nonetheless, my favourite one was where I straddle their hips and pretty much wrap my arms and legs around their arms and legs! Mostly, it just looked funny, and it worked. I tried to show it to a guy @ Muay Thai, but predictably he broke down into hysterical laughter. Dirty boy.

I don't know how strong/heavy you are, but I'm not exactly huge @ 65kg and 5'6". This has never been a problem because I'm bloody stubborn and relatively strong for...wait for it... a girl. Also, enthusiasm helps! But anyway, what the others said. Size is certainly not the be-all and end-all, it just means you have to work a bit harder. P.S. I'm loving the title for this thread!

Well, I assume you've explored all the options in terms of seeing a specialist? Maybe you could try another style of karate? I don't know much about the various styles, but there may be that there is a discipline which focusses a little less on high kicks. It isn't the preferred option, but I guess it depends how much of a problem the kicks are. In what way does the arthritis effect your kicks? You could obviously try strengthening and stretching all the muscles involved, provided you're careful and are willing to spend a lot of time and effort. Sorry, I don't really understand enough to help you properly and I'd really need more details anyway. Still, good luck!

Whoops, didn't mean to steal your emoticon MonkeyGirl! Oh well, synchronised waving.

Y'ello

Greetings -I like your teddy!