PrideampPoise

We don't use it in class. At home, I like to have it on, especially for weight training.

A few quick "hits"... Why go to parties with druggies and jerks? Treebranch is right... keep your abilities to yourself in those kinds of situations. If your friends are really your friends, they will do the same if you ask them. If you ever REALLY need to use your abilities, the fact that they are not known by your opponent(s) will give you a tactical advantage. You also avoid confrontations with those who just want to "test" you. I've never seen a jerk "straightened out" by getting beat up, nor have I ever seen it truly change anothers beliefs (other than the belief that they couldn't be beat up). No matter how good you are, you will eventually run into somebody better (or just better armed). As for controlling adrenaline rush, deliberately slowing your breathing is a basic technique that works well in all situations. It slows the "rush", and allows you to focus. You can practice this in any situation that causes the rush inside you... giving a speech, stepping to the plate in a baseball game, putting for a birdie, interviewing for a job, whatever.

Hey, Tibby, if it worked for me, it can work for you too! Just sent $29.95 to... Really, though, just trying to help...

Doug and dlopez, thanks for the tips. We didn't practice techniques last night, so I have an opportunity to do some "air practice" at home tonight on #7. dlopez, yes, I had to demonstrate parts 1-3 of Ki Cho Hyung. I actually know part 4, and as of last night, part of part 5. Of course I need to practice more, and improve my stances and flow. I tend to do everything in a "hard" style, so I know that's one thing I need to work on, as well as my overall conditioning. Last night, Sa Bum Nym was in a "thousand kind of mood", so we did 1000 kicks, then forms.

Yes! I just couldn't remember how to get the technique started, and your explanation was excellent. By the way, I received my yellow stripe Friday night... Just thought I'd share! Thanks...

I've gone from 247 lbs to 198, and still have a ways to go, but I definitely know what its like to try to start an exercise program when you are out of shape. For me, the important thing was to start slow, and increase the workload slowly but consistently. The key is to make excercise (and eating properly) a part of your daily routine, a habit. So I don't think its that important what, or how much you do in the beginning. The important thing is to do something, do it every day, and slowly build the length or intensity. I started with aerobics videos, but I literally started with just a single minute, and then added a small amount of time every day. You could use the same principle with walking, bike riding, or whatever. I wouldn't recommend running at first, because it can be hard on your joints if you are heavy, or are just in poor condition. Again, the key is to set small goals, like adding as little as 10 seconds to your excercise that day, and sticking to those goals. Within a few weeks you'll be starting to do some meaningful exercise, and if you stick with it, you'll gradually work yourself into shape with a lower risk of overdoing it and injuring yourself. Of course, nutrition is also important, especially if you're overweight. The exercise alone will help, but you can make even better progress if you slowly lose weight while you increase your excercise. Again, the key is starting with what you are able to do, and SLOWLY building from there.

Since you guys were so helpful before... I was taught #'s 6 and 7 on Friday night. On 6 I'm good. On 7, I know how I end up, with the wrist on my shoulder and the elbow locked, but can anyone help jog my memory with the first step and move? (I will ask Sa Bum Nym about the text book tonight) Thanks!

Aerobics classes can be very good for you, because they tend to work more muscles at different angles than just running or riding a bike. There are men in some of the classes. But if you need some time to build the self-confidence required to actually go to a class, look around for a tape/dvd that looks interesting to you, and try it at home. Really, if you find some that you like, you don't ever really need to go to a class. Step workouts can be pretty tough. Tae Bo and other cardio kickboxing can also offer a pretty good aerobic workout, and ususally have men participating as well. Of course you can also mix in running or bike riding for variety.

Yes, I know I need more practice... that was the frustrating part! I wanted to practice, but couldn't remember what to practice!!!! Seriously, though, thanks for the reminder about #4. I'll try it at home and see if it comes back to me. Calculus... I officially forgot everything I learned in Calculus loooonggg ago. But, battousai16, I think you have a good point about reinforcing later the same day. I was actually going through the techniques in my head while I drove home, so I'm pretty sure I would have still had it down if I'd actually practiced for a few minutes at home later that night. That probably would have been enough to keep me from whiffing on it the next morning. Or, maybe I'm going senile... What was I talking about???

I've started training in KSW, and was taught technique #4 in ki bohn soo on Friday night. Saturday morning, I did my workout at home and completely blanked out on #4. Still can't remember what it is, after the first step. Unfortunately, I can only attend class on Wednesdays and Fridays, so it will be Wednesday before I can "re-learn". Frankly, I'm going to be embarassed to admit to my instructor that I didn't practice #4 because I forgot it, but I guess I have no choice! Oh well, I've been practicing 1-3, parts 1 and 2 of the form, and my kicking...

Sentences should certainly be harsher for violent crimes, especially for repeat offenders. For "predators", like rapists, child molestors, and others who prey on those weaker than them, sentences should definitely be harsher. A recent decision that irritates me is the sentence of "probation" given to the two yahoos who came out of the stands in Chicago and jumped the 50+ year old 1st base coach of the Royals from behind. It was a father/son, and the father actually made a phone call prior to the act telling somebody he was going to do it. The coach now has a permanent partial hearing loss in one ear. Not sending those guys to the pen for awhile is simply disgusting.

Excellent article, Doug, and very helpful, as I am considering training in KSW.

What you are describing is not true chivalry. A gentleman will do the things you describe without making any kind of show out of it, nor would he tell you you are being silly. Power is not the issue...subtlety and courtesy are key.

I don't know about a new movie being made, but the "Special Edition" DVD is being released Sep. 30th. Not sure if there are extra scenes, but it is a 2 disc set, so it should have some good extras. I agree, its an excellent flick.

New here. (Duh!) I'm a 35 year old male, and studied TKD for a little over a year, but that was over 15 years ago (green belt). I'm looking to begin again, but have not decided which MA to go with, so I'll probably be asking some questions in the other forums. At this point, I'm considering KSW, Hapkido, Jujitsu, or possibly Kung Fu. I enjoyed TKD, but am looking for something more diverse, but that still utilizes some of those fun kicking techniques!