cleung

Sure, why not?

That's what I use to do too in training for board breaking. It just desensitizes the knuckles. I don't do it anymore since I no longer break boards.

Usually Japanese and Korean systems but some Chinese styles have adopted a sash (and sometimes belt) ranking system as well for North American students.

I use to do them when I was a teen. Haven't done them for over 25 years now. I suppose this type of push up increases the strength of those 3 fingers but then again, there are other ways to do that as well.

Of course tae kwon do but then many karate and kung fu schools can have great kick training. You have to check out the individual schools to know for sure.

All styles were at some point in time new.

I would have to say that my original inspiration to start martial arts was also Bruce Lee. Of course, I've learned since then that there's so much in martial arts as benefits in addition to just learning how to fight.

Bagwork, weights and improved technique will all contribute.

Go to an open tournament in your region. You can also try connecting with other martial artists locally via the internet or even this board.

I would think that sparring sessions should be more controlled. There's definitely something lacking in that with the sessions you describe.

Get an opinion from a Sports Medicine doctor. I've had ACL replacements on both of my knees and still compete in martial arts. I can't do some of the same techniques I use to do before my injuries but there is indeed martial arts life after surgeries even if it will be a bit different. Martial arts has such a wide activity range that there's something out there for everybody. Don't rush right away to get back into full training either. Follow your physiotherapist's advice to the letter. You don't want any setbacks. Good luck

I agree. There are some useful things to learn from competition. They are also educational as far as seeing other martial artists of different styles. Also, there is a great social factor as well. Lots of people together with similar interests in martial arts.

Congrats on your weight loss by the way.

According to another martial arts website, former top karate competitor Stuart Quan suddenly passed away this week at age 42. This is very shocking news and so far, details are sketchy. Apparently, he passed out in the back seat of a car during a trip back from a snowboarding trip. I had the pleasure of training with him for a private forms session about 12 years ago at his studio in Fresno, California. He will be missed.

Think about forms competition as a performance.

Yes, I've noticed that sword forms are making a bit of a comeback in recent years, especially with Jonathon Boyd's influence and success on the NASKA circuit.

Well, listen to your body as it doesn't lie. If it still hurts after several days, there's definitely some type of injury that should be looked at. At least you will have the peace of mind if you saw a doc.

So the key is with the open palm on top of the staff then in order to prevent hurting one's fingers on the floor?

He was one of those judges/promoters who actually took the time to talk to you if you wanted feedback from the judges. He always gave me valuable feedback and always acknowledged me at every tournament we met at. He was a true gentleman in the martial arts world.

I haven't seen any announcements at the NASKA website yet.

I use Chinese forms and weapons in karate tournaments. I've seen Chinese stylists win at karate tournaments as well as lose. Just depends on the competitor on how impressive he or she can be in front of mainly hard style judges. I like the variety of martial arts in an open tournament. I think these events can be a real learning experience as well as social.

Having done kung fu as well as karate and tae kwon do for over 31 years, I would have a hard time saying that one martial art is better than another. However, if that's your position, you can say that kung fu has the most interesting looking forms. You can further explain that forms are set routines involving martial arts techniques designed to fight imaginary opponents. A non martial artist might understand if you debate that kung fu has the most beautiful and the widest variety of forms and weapons.

Like any long weapon, one would have to keep distance until you find an opening to strike in to smother it.

It's physics. Power requires speed as well as strength. If you are tight, you won't have that speed and it's not just in kung fu but all martial arts. Sting like a bee as Muhamid Ali did. Bruce Lee use to hit a piece of paper suspended from the ceiling.

Like everyone else, I think you should see a doctor, a sports doc if there's one local. Maybe physiotherapy might be recommended by the doctor too. Get well before anymore serious training.