White_Tiger

Our school doesn't say a prayer, because I am sure there are people of varying religions in the classes. There is a school in our town whose lead instructor is an assistant pastor and he has prayer in the shcool. I have heard complaints about this from some of the parents. I am sure there are people who like this aspect, but there will always be others who do not like it. I would suggest this be talked about when people are interested in signing up.

Shadow boxing works great for me. Jumping rope helps my foot speed. When I am doing bag work I sometimes wear a 'heavy vest' this also helps my speed. Definitely shadow box, and jump rope! Use a ring timer if you have access to one...it breaks up the monotony. Good luck!

Yes, everything Tibby said. I use a ring timer when training with a jump rope. 2 or 3 minute rounds, and a 30 second rest. This makes all the difference in the world with your foot speed, cardio, etc. If you don't have access to a ring timer, they sell CD's with the ring timer "dings" fairly cheap. Good luck!

In my opinion I don't think it has to do with the weight of the person. There are two styles of heavy bags...the ones that hang, and the free standing style. The heavier the hanging ones weigh the more resistance they will offer, so it would depend on your punching and kicking strength. The free standing style all seem to offer the same resistance, but you want the base heavy enough that it doesn't tip over every time you kick it. I weigh 185 lbs, and I get a good workout with a 70 lb hanging heavy bag. It has sand in it, so it is pretty hard. I also have the Wavemaster XXL from Century...they are the best free standing bag I have worked on. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Lower reps and more weight will build bulk. Lower weight, and more reps will cut up. Stay with the squats...that is what will build your thighs, and it is a good core exercise for everything else. Give it time though...it won't happen over night. And dont' train your legs heavy more than twice per week. Over training is worse than not training at all. Hope this helps...good luck.

It is tough sparring tall people. As mentioned above...don't watch the eyes. Keep your stare around the upper chest area. Look to counter. Block their technique and backfist or punch off the block. Use strong blocks to throw them off balance a bit, and strike when they are off balance. Ask them after sparring how they would attack themselves. Everyone knows their weaknesses, and Black Belts are more than happy to talk to anyone who wants to listen to them Good Luck!

Hey Azmyth! It takes 3 months at our school. We don't use the same belt system, but comparatively it is a 3 month, or better 24 classes attended between belts at that level. I agree with CloudDragon...don't get ahead on forms. I have had students do that, and they get into some really bad habits. Ok, time for the corny martial arts line: "The road to black belt is a journey not a race." Be patient! Good Luck!

I don't know how close you are to Brandon, FL., but my Instructor owns a school called Brandon Taekwondo. It is a nice big school, and he an excellent Instructor. Give him a call! email me or AIM me if you want more info.

TOTAL *!!! I don't know of any Professionals that can fight for 2 hours with no pads much less someone who does karate part time! The ones who usually do all the big talking are the ones who don't know anything! It is those quiet ones you have to keep an eye on!!! Good Luck in your training!

There is usually a place on the entry form for parents/guardians to sign for competitors under the age of 18.

A good way to increase speed is to get in front of a mirror and shadow box. Throwing punches and kicks at yourself, and also developing your bob and weave skills. Good Luck!

Thank you Cyberclown for the remarks. All good ideas indeed!

NinjaNurse...thanks so much...fantastic ideas!

I don't like contracts either. I let my people pay month to month, and offer discounted rates if they want to pay quarterly, semi-annual, or annual. If they pay the dicounted prices then they have to pay it up front...it is not a contract. Hope this helps.

Kungfumaster punching bags are cheap. You will spend more on materials and your time for something that probably won't be any good to workout on. I say spend the money!!!

We are putting a demo team together. I would appreciate any ideas for routines, uniforms, how you recognize demo team members, etc. Thanks for the input!

I apologize if I took your original post wrong. If you are looking to lose some weight I have a great program. If you email me or something I will pass it along and help any way I can.

I am not trying to discount anyones tips on this thread, but I jump rope alot, and here is my suggestion. Just a plain old speed rope. http://www.centuryfitness.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10051&productId=65013&langId=-1&product_parentId=13579&crumb=13549&categoryId=13579&parent_category_rn=13574 They are plasctic and cheap, and you can get them at any store that sells sporting goods. You should not be swinging your arms so don't worry about weighted ropes. When you are jumping the only thing that should be moving is your wrists. I have a ring timer, and that is how I train. I will set the timer for 2, 3, or 4 minute rounds with a 30 second rest in between. If you don't have a ring timer you can get CD's with the ring timers sound on it. If you want a really good workout practice a certain kick while in between the rounds. Contact me if you want more information. Good Luck with your training!

Everyones body is different, but I try to eat 6 small meals a day. Higher protein, lower carbs. Try to do cardio work 3 times per week, and lift weights on alternate days. You don't have to go in the gym for hours either. Good Luck with your training.

I have told people do not use a MA class as an aerobic class, cause that is not what it is. You will burn calories in class, but some nights you will not burn as many. For example, if you spar an entire class you will burn more calories, than if you practice your side kick. I have seen overweight people with good technique. You are assuming just because a person is overweight that they can't possibly test well. That is stereotyping...I hope you get over that before going to competitions, or if you ever teach. Don't worry about how others in class look. Judge only yourself! Are you better than you were 3 months ago? Will you be better 3 months from now? If you are gifted athletically then don't look down on people who are not. Your Instructor may test you harder than he does overweight people, because he/she knows you can do better. Try to understand the humility the MA teach. Overweight or not...those people are in there trying, and enjoying themselves. Good luck in your training.

I think you are doing the right thing by starting over. You will progress faster than the true beginner, and you will learn how your new Instructor(s) teach. I own a school in Valdosta, GA. If I remember correctly Arabi is just North of Tifton. We are having a tournament in October, if you are interested contact me. Our web site is https://www.whitetigeracademy.com Good luck to you...glad you are coming back to the arts.

If you think you are going to stay with it...get foam. Foam is probably double the price, but if you ever want to compete you will probably have to wear foam. My personal opinion...foam protects you and the other students better also.

You should be happy your Instructor doesn't believe that one martial art is the catch all. You should learn how to throw basic punches. You ever been hit by an upper cut??? It hurts...no matter if a boxer throws it or a traditional Kungfu artist! Enjoy the training you are gettings...sounds like you have a good Instructor. Good Luck!

I will have to agree with TKDLady. Unless you guys are gonna get married and have lots of little martial arts babies, nothing good can come of it. Good Luck!

I just make sure I get a good night sleep before a tournament. Usually a VERY light breakfast. I only drink water until after competition...then I pig out!!