The Tall Bamboo

You know its kind of funny .I remember when I first found out my instructor was a Black Belt. The first question I asked him was if he could do a split. I know I was a newb:) I was shocked when he told me he couldn't but he was quick to point out that he could still kick me in the head So sure enough when I joined his school and got where I could finally spar in class he has demonstrated many times that his foot can reach my head:)..

Well I want to be ready for when the Evil Treants come out..I'll be ready you watch!! Gene

I'm not saying try and turn into a Mini Me Hulk but why not hitting the weight room some?Just work on your basic multijoint exercises.Squat,benchpress,cling and jerk and bent over rows.I believe that would go a long way to helping you to. Just a though a little cross training wouldn't hurt to supplement your classes. Gene

Thanks for the comments guys and gals.I think I was just a little miffed that night after sparing.The last person that I sparred with with our head instructor and he handled me quite well. When I went to take of my gear the other people that I sparred with let me know that they were happy that someone pushed me around alittle because I was too tall. I might have been a little sensitive from their joy at my sore ribs I feel alittle better now that I've had time to think about it and I realize there is no malice in their words.It probably is a little frustrating having someone kick you from across the room. I think I just need to relax and just have fun because thats why I joined in the first place. Thanks again, Gene

Hello everyone. I've been a lurker for a little while enjoying just reading what other peoples experiances are in their schools.I never really had anything to say till tonight when I finaly realized what has kind of been bothering me at my school. I can't help it that I am TALL.I'm sorry but when ever I spar with my class mates when the class is done all they ever say is your -Your legs are so long, your too tall,your too strong and blah blah blah..... I'm only a Yelowbelt and most of the people I spar with are Blue and above.They have alot more exp than I do and what I guess really bothers me is that they won't give me any credit for being good.I'm not saying that I'm great just that maybe I have a few skills.When I spar with the class instructors and they do good against me it's like everyone is glad that I'm getting hit.All it makes me think is that maybe they need to practice their lessons more instead of complaining about my TALLNESS . I don't brag when I do good against them I compliment them when they hit me.I guess what I wish they would do is just maybe just say hey thats a good one not your too TALL.I just find this a little frustrating. I just want to be known as someone who might have a few skills not someone who does well because he's TALL. Oh well sorry to cry on your shoulders this being my first post that I put up but I figured some of you have probably delt with this before. Thanks for the ear, Gene