CloudDragon

If the person only threatens, then yes. However if the person threatens with a loaded weapon then no. As far as being a lethal weapon, I have never found a case where martial arts worked against a person in a true self defense situation. If anyone knows about an actual case, please let me know.

Oh yeah forgot that, I tried to break the red building bricks that were left over from construction on a church my parents attended when I was a kid. YEEEEOUCH!

Hmm, you have tapped into an interesting part of the mind-body relationship, either that or you are schizophrenic with suicidal ideations...just kidding. Actually the mind has amazing control over what the body perceives when it comes to dreams and meditation however there is a difference between the two. While both can occur in a semi-consious state the key difference is that meditation is still directed by the mind while dreams are not guided by the mind but do tend to be influenced by a persons environment and personal issues. Some people who interpret dreams may say you have feelings of guilt about something or anxeity about changes in your life because of the thought of pain upon yourself. But I would suggest that you research dreams and meditiation further as they are both interesting topics. By the way, thanks for your past few questions, they are really interesting.

I personally found it about as exciting as dry white toast. Not that its useless, but I'm more of a meat and potatoes kind of person. If you have something to say, just say it. Maybe I just got a bad translation?

...and the midwestern USA!

Welcome, I envy you having a family member training with you, any advice for someone who might have a family member start training with them soon?

Welcome! Where are you from if you don't mind?

welcome and does shurite hempo have a website? Sounds interesting.

I have found that the Oddessy heavy weight gi is great https://www.oddessy.com they shrink some so if you get one make sure its one size larger unless you have alot of room in your current size. They wash and wear like a comfortable pair of jeans and are really tough.

To break something like bricks or wood in itself isn't that hard. What makes it hard are primarily 2 things, one: being able to do it consistently on the first try, and two: the technique you use, some are much easier to break with than others.

Ronin, the best thing I can tell you is that there are a-holes all over the world and you will have to deal with them for the rest of your life. Don't make the mistake of concerning yourself with them and their ways, just be sure you can identify them and never be like them. Best Wishes.

I have recently found a brown and black belt in a martial arts book. It looks like the high rank red and white belt except the squares are brown and black. Has anyone seen this used in a school, and who makes them?

Oh one more thing, Bear Brand has been around since the 80's. I have used their belts for many years, good quality and reasonable price.

For permanent flooring, Zebra mats are getting to be popular among TKD schools as they are pretty tough and absorb shock better than the jigsaw mats. I personally wouldn't go with them if I was opening a new school as they can be expensive and difficult to do some spinning techniques on. Mostly I see the regular folding mats that can be stored quickly and are out of the way when not needed, plus you can buy more as the class sizes grow.

Doesn't sound like a bad lesson to me. Seems that you have identified some important areas to work on. Some things you will learn faster than others, and with more experience you will "learn how to learn". Right now you are just establishing your base of knowledge and starting your conditioning, it will get better, I promise.

Definetly use sand, I have used the wavemaster XXL and it is a great bag, but if filled halfway with water (done that way to keep it easy to move for smaller people) it can slosh around and cause the bag to move alot. One suggestion, make sure the floor can handle the weight of the bag on it 24/7, especially in a mobile home or second story of a house. Put the bag over a joist or beam if possible, better yet a basement with something to keep the base from sliding around.

There are lots of reputable companies that will do this for you, I suggest you ask for a sample of their work before doing any ordering, have them mail or fax something so you can see if it will work with the embroidery in your school already. Many companies will work with you to get it just right.

whump, thump, pop, snap...that's the sound of beating a dead horse. Let's put this to rest please!

WOW! I'm packing my bags and moving to Atlanta! Lupin3, mind if I bunk with you for a while? Seriously though, it sounds like you have some great choices with well credentialed instructors. (kudos for doing your research!) I would suggest that you be comfortable with the pricing of your lessons because it could be a hinderance to training, personal experience talking here. I personally would look into the Shuai Chao just because the little I know about it sounds interesting.

IMHO, a person who has earned a black belt should be the first to realize that a piece of cloth does not define you to be a great fighter, but it is defined by the person who wears it.

Bumps and bruises are pretty common to most MA training but broken bones should be rare. It sounds like your school is pretty rough. My point is: why learn lots of self-defense when you are beaten up before you can use it? As far as teeth go, invest a little money and get a quality double mouth guard, its alot cheaper than a visit to the dentist!

Ever have a 4' 6" 12-year old hit you with a jump side kick in the head? Those little feet are hard!

Do you have to buy a club Gi? If not Tokaido makes one thats hard to beat. I also like the heavyweight uniforms from Century they seem to be better tailored to the American/European frame.

Congrats man! , Good idea Patrick, yet more proof that this is the best MA forum going.

Go to a dietitian or nutritionist, if you have been sick alot you may have specific needs that have to be addressed in order to keep healthy. The good thing is that usually one consult is all you need to get a great diet for your needs (age, weight, body type, and activity level). In my opinion it is worth it because of the time and money you are spending for your training, why spend months trying to find a good diet and slowing your progress? This one bit of advice is the best around and I won't charge you for it: "Everything in moderation."