cleung

On one hand, it might get the kids interested in martial arts and result in their parents taking them to local studios to see the real thing which they may end up liking. It's another promo vehicle for martial arts even though it might not be the real messages we want to get across. But is is like PR for us. It gets them to notice at least.

I would like to ask everyone, particularly the hard stylists here, a question about soft style weapons forms at tournaments. When you see soft stylists do weapons in competition, which Chinese weapons do you prefer to see?

NYC will be a site for a NASKA event next year. Might be the same event you heard about. Check the NASKA website for more details

No I don't have a school, I just compete. Have been competing since 1985. I chose not to open any school years ago but that is not to say that I won't in the future. We'll see.

Thanks. I usually make my way to the Quebec Internationals (a NASKA event) every year in April in Quebec City.

Instead of teaching/running a school, security services and stunt work, what other careers with martial arts do you all see as viable?

That's part of the game. One either likes it or doesn't.

You can find out more about the NASKA circuit on their website https://www.naska.com and since you are located in NY state, it would be pretty easy for you since most of their events are in the east coast. Actually, the head of NBL is also located in upstate NY. These are the two largest open circuits in North America.

I was refering to vendors who sell martial arts supply (equipment, uniforms, book, video), clothing (t-shirts) and other Asian gifts, not food. Thanks for the clarification.

I'm just wondering if anybody here has ever been a vendor at a tournament. If so, what was your experience like and was it worthwhile?

For those of you who compete in tournaments, have you ever bought anything from the vendors there? Do you think they are a good idea?

I"m about 20 years too late to do extreme forms and went through two knee surgeries trying to do wild creative forms. Now switched to safer forms which is okay for senior divisions and have done better as a competitor ever since. Was fortunate enough to win titles in NBL, WSKF and NASKA. But I still love watching all you younger guys and gals doing the extreme forms.

Don't forget that weapons forms usually require less leg work and therefore is an excellent alternative martial arts activity if one never trained with them at younger ages. There's also tai chi.

I am new to this forum but have been training in martial arts for over 32 years. I've trained in kung fu, karate, tae kwon do, wushu and kickboxing. I have been competing since 1985 and I still am very active in competing in forms and weapons in senior black belt divisions. I've competed in the NBL circuit in North America and recently have been competing in the NASKA circuit. I don't see myself stopping anytime yet as I'm still getting something out of competition, even at age 44.

Go see some classes and meet the instructors. Then make a choice. The instructor is more important than the actual style. Of course, the style has to be something that you like as well. So check out their classes.

In open events, most fighter fight the same these days whether they are from a karate, tae kwon do or kung fu school. That's just my own observations after competing since 1985.

Mixing styles is one way of broadening your own education in martial arts and then finding things that work for you.

In sport martial arts, everybody sort of fights the same these days. However, when it comes to forms competition, this is where you will really see the differences in styles. Go to an open tournament and watch some of the forms divisions where you will really see for yourself.

I am 44 and still actively compete in senior divisions. I have friends in their 50s who still compete. The good thing about martial arts is that the activities and styles are wide range enough to suit anybody of all ages. Sure us senior guys can't do wushu or extreme forms. I can't do straight kicks very well after surgeries on both knees so I have modified my own martial arts. I don't do much jump kicks anymore. I can still do nice circular kicks and I do more weapons forms too. You can find ways to suit your own changing body and still do martial arts, maybe not in the same way as before but at least you can still do martial arts in your life.

Sounds much like WKA

The Diamonds was the best organized tournament I went to this year. Everything ran on time.

Whatever works to help you score points and prevent your competition from scoring on you without grabbing which is usually not allowed.

Maybe a video camera so the kids can see themselves after they perform or fight. It's a great learning tool.

Pros: learning experience that one can't get in a school, meeting new friends Cons: cost and travel

Best training tool for kata is video. Also get as many black belts to check you out and ask them for tips. Watch yourself on video with a very critical eye. I've been competing in forms since 1985 and found that video is very revealing to oneself.