krunchyfrogg

Thanks. The Aunt in question doesn't pay for it, some person comes into her senior center, and whoever wants to, does it. I'd feel kind of weird doing this with senior citizens, and I thank you two (and any further posts) for your input. They have a seminar every once in a while at work, maybe I'll check it out sometime. I'm not interested in giving up my current school.

From the pics, you don't look weak. Congrats on your training routine. If you're effeminate, I don't think any martial art will really change that.

Is this a martial art? I was driving home a few weeks ago, and heard an advertisement for Sumo Wrestling on the radio. Apparently, it's becoming more popular. I've always thought it was more a sport than a martial art, and that you need to have some serious mass on your body to do it well. Can anybody shed any light on this subject? TIA

Hey. I hope I'm posting this in the correct forum, because the truth s I don't know much about Tai Chi. I do know that my fianceé's 80 year old aunt does it, so it must not be that intense a workout. However, on these boards, I've read that it is a form of a martial art. What can you tell me about Tai-Chi? How will taking Tai-Chi affect me, and my study of my regular martial arts classes? TIA

I'd look to stomp a foot and break it (if the person isn't wearing boots) or take out the knee. Either one will undoubtedly stop your attacker (unless he's got a gun, in which case you're screwed anyway).

You are confusing two things here. With exercise your bones might get a better structure, but when you put more stress on it, your bones will get weaker. It's the same when you would keep on hammering on a wooden board. It will get weaker and weaker. I'm not confusing anything. I went to school for this kind of stuff, and needed to know everything there is to know about the skeletal system. You can make your bones harder.

Great quote! Who's it (originally) from?

Bones cannot get harder. Maybe you can get your skin a little bit tougher, but it is impossible to get your bones harder (well, maybe one bone.... ). Bones can indeed get harder, it's a fact. When a bone breaks and heals, the healed part can be made stronger. When a bone has more stress put on it, it will become harder. It's for this reason that women (especially) are encouraged by doctors to exercise more when they are young. Exercise will strengthen bones, which will offset osteoporosis, an ailment that commonly affects older women.

Thanks rb!

My Senseis are always telling the class that you need to take what you learn in the dojo and practice it in the real world, and I believe them. Even if it's a minor thing, I try to practice my katas every day, and I am always practicing deep breathing. Anyway, how many hours in the dojo is a good number? Each of my classes is 90 minutes long, and I try to make 3 a week (4.5 hours).

Breaking (or just hitting) hard objects makes your bones harder. There definitely is skill involved, as you must hit the object straight on, or you can seriously hurt yourself. Breaking isn't the end all, be all, but I think it's kind of cool. Remember, not everybody practices their respective styles to know how to fight, or to participate in a sport. We're all practicing a Martial Art.

Mink, wanna answer my question?

WTF?!? just kidding. I actually don't know what 'WTF' stands for (in TKD terms).

I've only started karate in October (only about 5 months), and I'm still a white belt (although I've been told that I'm the equivalent of a yellow, but they won't give anyone a belt except at a ceremony held twice a year). Anyway, I've realized that I found a focus that I intend to keep for life. I feel like I've improved myself as a person, bost physically and mentally. I feel more confident at challenges in life and at work. I also feel more like I'd be much more capaple at defending myself if I ever needed to, as well as ending fights before they begin. It's all a wonderful feeling, and my life has definitely improved over the past half-year.

There's an interesting thread about Christianity and the Martial Arts in the "Articles" forum. Check it out!

My dojo only advances students at a Shiai. This ceremony takes place every 6 months. I've just been told by my Sensei that I'll probably be given a rare honor at the next Shiai. If I continue at the pace I'm going, I'll advance from White to Green belt (skipping Yellow).

This may not be exactly the answer you're looking for, but I try to prepare anytime I enter a place with new people, be it a restaurant, movie theater or a shopping mall (I don't worry too much at church). I just look around, casually, at everybody, and start thinking "What would I do against that guy/girl?" "This guy looks like he can (or can't) take care of himself" and "How inebriated is this person? Are they looking for trouble?" I haven't been in a fight yet (not since I became karateka, I mean), but I'd like to think I'm as prepared as possible all the time.

A small town called Hastings On Hudson. It's about a 20 minute drive north of NYC.

You and I are in complete agreement. If somebody pushes you, don't push back. Strike back.

I've been lucky enough to have never been in your friends situation. I'm quoting this because it's the best advice, IMHO.

I'll bite. What's the reasoning behing a white gi (which is what I wear)?

Great article, and discussion afterwards! Thanks so much! ~Just another Christian checkin' in!

Very cool!

Doesn't the phone book thing become an eyesore on your property? Especially after it rains...

My Sensei recommended this book to me. I'm going to read it, but I just wanted some general opinions on the book from anybody who's read it. http://i16.ebayimg.com/03/c/00/c0/fc/28_8.JPG