shotochem

Hi Jerry, I just have a hard time believing what I have not experienced myself. I tend to look for a scientific reason for things of this nature. I work in a lab, its my nature,,,, However, if something works Id give it a try. It may just be a matter of superior technique.

Another political peeve, it is disgraceful how our elected officials bow down to special interest groups. I would do away with lobbists and soft money contributions. It seems when it comes to the senate and congress their vote goes to the highest contributer. Our reps should be working in our best interest not theirs. The way to limit the damage these corrupt entrenched incumbents in BOTH parties is TERM LIMITS no office should be held for more than 2 consecutive terms. This would force our officials to produce and be held accountable. If they are inaffective the will not be able to hang on due to the wealth of incumbancy. I really have to avoid politics I just get so

You were in "The Zone", it happens not only in MA but other sports and activities as well. I wish I could make it happen at will.

I would tend to think most MA would not just fight without a good reason. If there are no weapons involved, I would consider all of them an equal threat with their own strenghts and weaknesses. It would depend if all is equal in reguards to skill of the combatant I would say if he is much bigger and heavier than me thats the one I dont want to fight. Realistically I dont see a shaolin monk attacking anyone or someone attacking you with Akido or tai chi. Monks are generally pasifistic and akido and tai chi tend to be defensive and counter the movements of the attacker AFIK. As for the whole dim mak thing I just dont buy it. It probably worked once when someone hit someone with a tumor or pre-existing condition who just happened to keel over shortly afterwards... Just an urban legend.

The use of the new touch screens is certainly a good start. The other thing I find disturbing is the the media is adversly affecting the elections with premature predictions as to the outcomes. Ie. with 10% of the vote counted candidate X is in the lead with a 70 -30% lead. I believe that the results and predictions should not be broadcast until the polls close. I am also in favor of extending the hours of polling to accomodate working people. Open earlier stay open later any more than one day would not be feasible. I have also witnessed militant partisan tactics by both parties practically dragging people to the polls and pressuring them to vote down the line for their party as opposed to picking and choosing.

Hi BD, I see nothing wrong with the concept of the electoral college. However, I believe the electoral votes should be given proportionatly to the popular vote (ie. if a candidate wins 60% of the state he gets 60% of the electoral vote). I also believe in a cap on campaign financing to the same amount for all candidates as well as manditory debates. The whole concept of partisan politics needs a reality check. I propose that in a presidential election the one with the most votes is the president, the next most the VP. Internet voting would never work it is too easy to tamper with and someone would sue. (discrimination for those who cant afford a computer ) I have voted for both political parties over the years Rep & Dem. They both suck. Thats all for now, back to work...

I agree, there seem to be a lot of nice people I train with. As for a different breed..... think about it. It takes a bunch of crazy people to do what we do. There are many other activities that do not produce the bumps, bruises and broken bones that we experience. The most common thing I have noticed about the MA I train with is that they tend to be more motivated and determined than the average person. We constantly push ourselves to new limits and keep setting higher goals, this to me is what it is all about.

G, I dont exactly stand still I do move around. I use circlar motion patterns and I tend to stay in close to try and slow down the speedsters. I pretty much try to get them to spar my way where they are at the disadvantage. Im strong as an inside fighter.

I know a lot of people bounce around like crazy while sparring. What is the benefit? If Im paired up with a bouncy person, I tend to just time them then strike. My old knees and ankles cant take all that bouncing. I find that I just kind of glide around trying to control angles seems to work quite well for me. Along with body shifting and countering. Is it just me??

Amen G95, I have the same difficulty with point sparring. Those little mosquitos buzzing around!!!!! Stand still so I can hit you!!!!! Im not very tall but am built solidly, not fat not skinny, large upper body and it is very difficult to catch those little buggers in a point match. I have discovered that while free sparring I am a lot more effective. Even with most of the larger guys (except "Goliath" Im still working on him Im getting better ). The solid ones like us can take a lot more damage. When you are not concerned with getting hit it makes it a whole lot easier. When its for a point the action stops and you dont have that big counter attack.

Then of course there is also the random chaos factor...... The lucky shot, the element of suprise, size of the brute attacking, the total attitude and visciousness of the combatant. IMO the more bloodthirsty of the two has the advantage. All skills being equal I belive the bigger, stronger nastier fighter would win most of the time.

I highly recomend seeing a doctor. The wrist is not supposed to hurt while you are punching. You could do serious damage to yourself if you continue to train with injuries to the joints. Internet advice is no substitute for a good doctor.

I agree with G95, low stances are taught to build leg strenght and endurance. We are never taught to stay down low while sparring. We may drop down lower on certain techniques, but we certainly do not stay there all the time. The rule is do not get down so low as to where you cant move. I find it hard to belive that dan grade students can not throw a simple block to aviod a shot to the grion. Thats one of the first techniques you learn?????

28 years old when Princess Diana died 26 years old at the time of Oklahoma City bombing 25 years old when O. J. Simpson was charged with murder 24 years old at the time of the bombing of the World Trade Center* 22 years old when Operation Desert Storm began 20 years old during the fall of the Berlin Wall 17 years old when the space shuttle Challenger exploded 15 years old when Apple introduced the Macintosh 14 years old during Sally Ride's travel in space 12 years old when Pres. Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr. 10 years old at the time the Iran hostage crisis began 7 years old on the U.S.'s bicentennial Fourth of July 5 years old when President Nixon left office 3 years old when Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace was shot not yet 1 year old at the time the first man stepped on the moon Oh Well, at least Im not the oldest one here..... Thanks Sai...

Some people have the philosophy of keeping their strong dominate side foward. The idea is the strong quick jab and quicker stronger lead leg kick (ie roundhouse,sidekick are stronger with your dominate leg). Watch carefully they will probably telegraph their kicks........

Go all out, all the time. If you fall, get back up and keep going. If you make a mistake, keep going. The test is a reflection of you and your own personal abilities. What everone else does, does not matter. Effort, Attitude and Perseverence go a long way..... GOOD LUCK!!!

Well Tiger, Its not easy. I like most of the other adults I train with, work in the daytime and train at night. Instead of the sterotypical image of the lazy american, we do not sit at home and watch TV. Its not easy training after working 9 or 10 hrs. I find that if you really enjoy something you tend to find a way to do it as much as possible.

I tend to scrutinize every other passenger when I fly. When Im in a crowded area I try to stay more aware of those around me. I try not to let the little things bother me, there are more important things in life to worry about. I try to spend more quality time with family and friends. I train harder than before and more often. I pray I dont have to use it.........

MA have greatly helped me in my life. I am in better shape and have an excellent outlet for stress in my life. It is better to channel your stress and negative feelings to a positive physical activity than to go on a homicidal rage(even though some people deserve it ) It has also given me the ability to turn the lights on and off with my feet

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt, "Citizen in a Republic", April 23, 1910

I would try Aki Jujisu it would complement Shotokan nicely. When I get older Id switch to Akido then when Im really old... Tai Chi. I plan on practicing Shotokan as long as the body is willing, and most importantly it still has to be fun and enjoyable. When it is not...... Ill just find something that is.

I forgot to mention Elmer. Thanx for adding it..

I do 3 cosecutive 180s..... (180x3=540!!!)

I agree the Funakosi & Nakayama are must haves for all shotokan people. I also have the Peter Ventresca book. I also recommend Kanazawas Kata books vol 1 & 2 ( I havent got the kumite one yet). A good one for all is Sun Tzu " The Art of War" is a classic....

The reason I use the smaller weights is that I try to keep proper form while going slow motion. If I try to use 10lbs while doing kata it would be too stressful on the joints. I would be careful if you are punching full speed with that kind of weight, there is always the danger of hyperextending the elbow or throwing out the shoulder. Im not really working for strenght. Speed + Technique = Power Strenght alone is not enough for most people. I wonder if the Link Queen has anything on hyper extenting of the elbows??