pknox

David: What town in Northern NJ do you live in? I live a couple miles from Morristown so I know that area pretty well - there are plenty of Isshinryu schools around me. Pete Knox

Makes sense, as kata and drills definitely have the intense start-stop flavor of interval training (not even to mention kumite which can be even more intense). If you're doing basic conditioning, to me that combination fulfills the definition of a complete workout, and one that can be done virtually anywhere to boot.

The axes remind me of African axes. The topmost one a throwing one (I think I saw a variation of it in a weapons catalog a few years back), and the next below a handheld one. Here's a link for comparison; look in particular at the "Songe Prestige Axe", which looks a bit like the second axe from the top: http://eriksedge.com/category.php?catid=0148e11109f015a&category_name=African%20Swords Given the elaborate structure of that axe, I wonder if it was more of a "parade" weapon than one designed for combat? Not sure, but here is a picture of a "status axe" that is a bit similar: http://www.ezakwantu.com/Gallery%20African%20Axes%20-%20Status%20Axes%20-%20Currency%20Axes.htm The construction on the spears looks more medieval/renaissance europe, imo, but they could also be African, wither traded or constructed - I guess it depends on the time period they're from. I'm assuming not all of the weapons in the photo are necessarily from the same era/locale? The bottom two weapons look markedly different than the others, in terms of both design and construction. I would think they were more modern than the others, at least from what I can see in the photo. Very interesting - let us know what you find out!

+1 for that...if you are concerned about bodybuilding/appearance, then by all means, train the weak side so as to make them more similar looks-wise. However, if you are more concerned about functional strength, as I think you might be, then yes - compound, multiple joint exercises are the way to go. Your weaker arm, as well as the stabilizing muscles around it, will eventually catch up, and you'll be less likely to create a further imbalance that will lead to injury.

2003? Can't be that long...that means I'm a white belt going on 8 years. I need to post a lot more and read a lot less I guess.

Kettlebell circuits (lower reps), going over basics to get some cardio, and long walks when I can fit them in (usually 2-3 times a week at least). I stretch a little bit, but probably should be stretching more.

Thanks!

Just curious, as I haven't heard much about the style. If you had to say, which of the Okinawan/Japanese styles is it most similar to, in terms of techniques, strategy, and kata? I don't mean in terms of lineage - you've already mentioned the Tuite connection, and most arts that are based in the Naha, Shuri, or Tomari "root forms" are today often vastly different. I'm really just looking for a basis for comparison.

Very true. Used effectively, the chains/cord on a nunchaku can do nasty things to a wrist when it's wrapped properly, and the butt end can do a lot of damage when thrust into soft targets. I've rarely seen it trained in a self defense-oriented way like that though (might be due to legal carry concerns in many states) - it's always more slated towards flashy forms with lots of flips, catches, and elaborate figure eights. It does looks cool, but not super useful (at least in my opinion). To the OP - one word of advice. If you're simply playing around (which you shouldn't be) go with the softer, rubber or foam coated variety, as you're much less likely to get hurt (or hurt a partner).

It should also be less prone to wrinkling too, even at the lighter weight.

Ah, wasn't sure what Tokon was, but Kamikaze I remember. Thanks.

Has anybody here lost a decent amount of weight practicing TSD twice a week? I'm planning on practicing on my own at least most of the other days (if not every day) and trying to keep the diet reasonably clean (it already is), but was wondering if adding TSD could help me lose a fair amount of weight and/or bodyfat. Thanks!

Patrick: Harbinger is near Norfolk, right? My sister-in-law lives in Norfolk, married to a Navy guy. I lived two years in NC: one in Moore County (Aberdeen) and the other in Wake (Morrisville). Great to see the board is so active...looks like it's going to be fun.

Mr. Knox...I didn't realize my father was standing behind me.

Thanks!