onesimusTKD

I think that if you can learn ANY, do so! They are EFFECTIVE...I find that whatever you can learn will make your training better!

Black belt is a pretty good magazine. For TKD, theirs Taekwondo Times...I used to pick up Karate International when I could find it... There are a bunch of great online ones too!

I must say as a TKD guy...I know the pains and sufferings of sparring the "TKD" way...I never was taught the hopping around...But, I can say that the first time I sparred an Okinawan stylist...I FOUND OUT WHY GROIN KICKS ARE REALLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST A HIGH ROUNDHOUSE! HA HA I think we can all learn from sparring others. Each style has their own characteristics. I think that I am successful because I will spar with anyone! I LOVE IT! HA HA _________________ Second Degree Black Belt Member: Kokon Ryu Bujutsu Renmei, Valadez Kenpo Association *Illinois State Representative*, Universal Taekwondo Association, Martial Arts Weapons Association, International Sung-ja do Association. [ This Message was edited by: onesimusTKD on 2002-02-04 06:15 ]

Has anyone studying TKD been taught weapons as a part of TKD? Most Korean Instructors know weapons, and way more than they have a tendency to share, at least that's been my experience. I am on a mission to make my TKD experience the most complete training I can. I think weapons are important. Curious to see what others have to say.

I have a soft spot for Benny Urquidez...Don Wilson was great too...

I think jumping is something that is up to the instructor. I know TKD is known for it's flashy kicks, including jump kicks. I have used very few in sparring situations. In real life situations, I would never leave the ground. But, I have seen World Champion Kickboxers use them effectively in the ring...SO...I guess...You can practice TKD without the jumping...

I think the main complaint that many dedicated martial artists have with many schools is that there are too many black belts being given to those who don't diserve them. I got my BB in TKD after about 5 years. I trained in a garage! And I was taught way differently than those in the dojang where I tested for BB. I was let down when the test was over. I had a harder green belt test...SERIOUSLY. But, one thing to take into consideration. BB means different things to different people. I know that to me, it meant being a complete martial artist...Not a master of all things, but fully ready to be taught the finer points. I wouldn't trade my garage training for anything. When I started actually getting involved in a commercial studio, I found that many schools are too concerned about making the art accessible for everyone. But most people can not think LONG TERM. It takes time and a lot of dedication to actually get the benefits from martial arts training. Sure, you can become more flexible and stay in shape. But, too many parents use the dojang/dojo as a paid babysitter...and it's no different than the Baseball or Football parents who push their kids too hard/ride the coach...and sometimes the parents get their way... I guess the thing is...if you see too many BB and not enough MARTIAL ARTISTS...find a new school... Aaron

Hello from Monmouth Illinois! My name is Aaron. I have been in the arts for 16 years. I am always looking for tournament, kickboxing or seminar information. If you know of any good fights coming my way, please email me. I love going to seminars too! Thanks! Aaron