pineapple

Hi Chaos and welcome!

First step towards a black belt! Congradulations!

I have never seen a student demoted by the instructor, however I have seen students who returned to class as a white belt after they laid off training for a while.

I often read about how many of the old masters practiced just a few katas over and over and yet the trend today seems to be to learn as many katas as possible. Which is better? How many katas are too much and how many are too few?

Hi Steph and welcome!

You do get more used to taking hits after a while, however what I think is more important is that by getting hit, you begin to realize where your openings are and work harder to correct it so you don't get hit as often. (especially if you are being hit hard)

When I was just starting out in the martial arts, I watched the black belts in awe and told myself that I could never do what they're doing. When I finally achieved my black belt, I learned that even if something appears to be very difficult, as long as you don't give up, you will achieve that goal.

I agree! I still believe that MOST people BEGIN training in the martial arts for the ability to defend themselves. They CONTNUE training due to their recognition of so many other benefits. As far as the level of fighting ability...well, I would say that no matter what you train in or how long, there is always someone who can beat you and if you realize this, it will help you to be humble.

Hi Faust and welcome!

Hi Apobiosis and welcome!

I agree with PacificShore as to the meaning of "passing the guard", however if you are standing at a 45 degree angle to your opponent, all you have to do is use one hand to push against the back of his arm which prevents him from turning towards you and striking with your other hand.

Happy birthday!!!!!

Don't worry about HOW you are going to be taught because that is your instructors job to ensure that you are trained properly. Your responsibility is to be there.

Hi PackerManDan and welcome!

Congradulations on your first step to becoming a black belt.

Hi SlikNik and welcome!

I use Kajukenbo as my base art for it's "dirty" techniques such as eye, throat, knee, and elbow strikes. I also train in: boxing/kickboxing for it's stand up skills BJJ for it's ground work Shotokan and Wadoryu for the discipline and power strikes Chi Kung for inner strength

I have arthritis in my hands. I read an article on how drinking Aloe Vera has helped people with arthritis. I am lucky to have a lot of Aloe Vera growing in my yard so I made Aloe Vera smoothies and the stiffness went away.

Hi WadoGuy and welcome!

Hi The Fonz and welcome!

My being older than most people on this forum, I would have to say that I liked watching ALI more than any other fighter.

I have a friend who has been training in BJJ for about 8 years and he is a purple belt. (belt before brown)

Competition kumite and real street fighting are completely different, however it does require a lot of skill to be successful at tournaments.

I don't know about the gym that you train in but when I trained in a boxing gym, the people there were more than willing to assist me with any questions that I had. In fact, the way that I acquired a boxing trainer was when he approached me and asked me if he could train me. (free) I found that the most helpful individuals were the older guys who hang out at the gym. Maybe you can find someone like that at your gym. As far as frequency, let your body be your guide. Train as often as your body allows you. If your body tells you that you are overdoing it, then you are and should cut back.

Keep your center of gravity (below your navel) tight and keep your supporting leg bent.