monkeygirl

That's right, YEAR OF THE MONKEY!!! It's a happy time

Sometimes genetics have something to do with it. For example, I have a problem with practically all of my joints: subluxation. (I put the following section in italics because it's kind of gross. If you're particularly sensitive to that kind of thing, skip past the italics.) Basically, my joints temporarily dislocate and pop back in. It's not very painful in itself, but it causes grinding and such. It's caused because the ligaments holding my joints together are extremely loose. This is also what makes me so flexible. In my case, flexibility comes at a price! In my sleep, my hips fall out of place and I pop them back in when I wake up. I sound like human popcorn when I twist my spine first thing in the morning. I can literally tilt my head to the side and my neck will pop. Knees, elbows, knuckles, toes, wrists, ankles...you name it, it pops. Now that I've grossed you out, I'll get to my point: I have a problem that caused me pain, but had nothing to do with my training methods. My instructor didn't cause it. I think it's important to know, so you can identify the true cause of the problem and be better equipped to fix it.

For me, the attraction to MA guys also stemmed from leadership. I usually found myself falling for guys I taught classes with (and I really hope they don't see this now or they'll wonder which one of them I'm talking about...). Something about seeing how a guy deals with kids is very attractive. From there you start thinking "he looks good in black" and "ummm let's work on ground fighting between classes for absolutely no reason at all" It takes me longer to build up an attraction to someone, so these are the emotional attractions for me. After getting to know them, MA guys are really some of the best guys around! Genuine, nice, and they give you a lot of respect. Now that I go to high school and I've met some of the guys there...I MISS MY DOJO BOYS!!!

I love that show!! The problem is, it's on at really weird times, like 10:20 at night, so I usually miss it. I love the mockumentary style to it...all-around genius! Maybe it's a monkey thing

Exactly! You may even want to tell him how the stress relief could actually help to improve your grades. And of course, the self defense is always useful.

I don't think they have a problem with female martial artists so much as models dressing up like practitioners and giving MA (TKD in particular) a bad name. Anyway, that's how I feel about it.

Well, you could say that weight lifting is bad for your joints, as well. And it is if you do it improperly. I think the same thing basically goes for ankle weights/weight vests. Dont' try too much weight all at once, and don't fully extend your techniques (if you do, do it very slowly) so as not to hyperextend anything. Any kind of weight training (when done properly) can increase your speed. There are a few factors: 1. Which muscles you work 2. Work the dichotomy 3. How much weight 1. Which muscles you work It's important that you focus on muscles that you actually use in your martial art! It's always important to be well-rounded in your fitness routine, but if you have to choose between muscles, choose the ones you actually use. For example...if my art does nothing but punch, what sense does it make to work my legs, other than for the sake of being well-rounded? That's a kind of broad example that you should apply more narrowly. 2. Work the dichotomy Work opposite muscles! If you strengthen your biceps but not your triceps (the muscles responsible for extending your arm out for a punch), you'll find it much easier to pull your punch away than to throw it out. Basically, one side of your arm is quick while the other is slow. Muscles always come in pairs (when one contracts, the other releases), so make sure those pairs are well matched. 3. How much weight This is a safety issue more than anything...you don't want to overstress your joints and bones. Bones get stronger from resistance...your joints get "stronger" because your muscles are holding them together better. However, don't push it too far or you could injure yourself. I like ankle and wrist weights because they allow complete range of motion, and basically follow you wherever you go. This automatically works the muscles you need. If you have access to a gym that has this piece of equipment, I strongly suggest you use a Cybex FT 360 or similar piece of equipment. http://www.allaboutfitness.com/images/ft360cybex.jpg It's completely adjustable and has ankle/wrist straps. I often strap the arms to my ankles and do some kicks with a little weight...it's one of the most effective tools I've ever seen or used! Anyway, that's what I've learned with time and a little experience, but little to no technical knowledge. If any of my info was wrong, please correct it.

Well, it doesn't have to be pretty...it just has to work.

....I'm glad I didn't watch that before taking the SAT. In other words, I feel stupider.

Although my school does have a Tae Kwon Do club (it meets two nights a week, and is actually taught by my ex-instructor...which is part of why I don't attend the club), this is something completely separate. The MA room is supposed to be an area where students of ALL styles can practice and train on their own. Sparring isn't allowed (probably never will be), but I'm negotiating padded weapons training so people can still do their weapons forms. The major issue is that the gym's facilities provide ZERO room for kata (the basketball courts are in constant use), and the one, lightweight punching bag is in a high-traffic area. Kick it, and you immediately have to hug it so it doesn't fly into someone. Also, my school's PE requirements are different than most. If you currenty play a sport, you have to go to the gym twice a week in addition to practice 4 or 5 days a week. If you don't currently play a sport, you go to the gym 4 times a week. Each gym visit is at least an hour. There isn't a whole lot of structure to it, just a lot of freedom to workout however you want (there's usually a few faculty around if you need help). The school prides itself in having a "state-of-the-art" gym facility, so having an MA room would look really good in the brochures

Our wrestling room smells like a barn Shop class? Shop class?? I go to a private school that doesn't even have wood shop...or driver's ed or home ec (which I desperately need). I never really realized our lack of shop class until now. Trophy case might be neat to add later down the road, when/if we get a traveling team to go to tournaments. What about things like ankle weights/resistance bands? Any specific brands you recommend for anything?

Nothing like that first promotion!! Congratulations, may you feel that thrill of success over, and over, and over again

I'll be sure to do that. I had considered suggesting it to the faculty member I was speaking with, but the budget issue is a big one. I'm wary of the school's wrestling room mats. They are often in use (by their VERY protective team), and I don't like their squishyness. They're very difficult to practice kata on but would be good for practicing throws. In addition, it's very unwise to be barefoot on them, as they are impossible to fully clean. In an MA room, athlete's foot would be the biggest problem. In the wrestling room, there are fears of ringworm and other such nasty things. I greatly appreciate your suggestions, keep them coming!

My school is building a martial arts room onto the gym, and I'm helping choose the equipment that goes into it. What equipment/accessories/training tools do you suggest to encompass multiple martial arts? MA's included would be TKD, Judo, Karate, etc...I just need a general "inventory" to get us started since we have some budget constraints. Thanks!

Hmmm... 4-7 year olds... with sticks... chasing each other... Try "ninja freeze" It's like red light, green light. The kids stand in a row at the "starting line". You're standing at the "finish line". Turn your back to them...while your back is turned, they can run towards you. Then you count "1...2...3...NINJA FREEZE!" on ninja freeze, you turn around. If anyone moves/loses/balance/giggles, that one has to start all over again. Keep doing this until someone manages to tag you. As the kids get better at the drill, you can start turning around and shouting ninja freeze without the "1 2 3" warning. Eventually you can turn around without saying anything at all. It's good for reaction time and focus.

She looks so unhappy in the second photo...

Try gelling your beard, so when people grab it, they get sticky and go "Eww!" and let go. It's the ultimate self-defense for bearded men, I call it Sti-ki-do.

It depends on your range, really...reverse punch is good for long range because it has more potential length, but a hook punch is pretty powerful from close in, when thrown correctly. Of course, it also depends on what other techniques you choose to use in combination. If you just throw a reverse punch, you probably won't have much luck because it telegraphs a lot...but if you can sneak it in among a flurry of techniques, you're more likely to succeed. The hook punch can be thrown with the lead hand, so it's a good, initial technique.

An hour? For 4-7 year olds??? Good luck. You can teach them things like bowing, fire drills are always a good idea first thing, stranger danger. Teach them a kick or two (just kicking at air or a bag...make sure you have a talk with them afterwards about only using their martial arts in class). The rest of the class time, you want to try and wear them out...their parents will love you for it Have them run laps, then skip laps, then do jumping jacks around the room, cartwheel contests (teach them how to do one if they don't know how), somersaults, walking like different animals such as dogs, monkeys, ducks, etc, (you can tell them that's the first step to Kung Fu mastery or something), anything to wear them out. Relays, coordination drills, endurance & stamina drills, jumping drills, running drills, anything and everything that isn't violent or dangerous.

I love teaching...largely in part because I'm good at it. I love working with kids because it's incredible to help mold them into adults, and see them learn the art I love. I love working with adults because they can handle the more intricate and in-depth explanations that I give, and I enjoy the feeling I get from earning the respect of an elder. I love causing the "spark" in someone's eyes when a difficult concept has become clear to them. I love watching someone who struggles develop into a masterful practitioner. I love solving the unique challenges each student presents each time they say: "Miss Tammy, can you help me with my kata? I just can't seem to get it right." I love getting to know the students, and I take pride in each of their accomplishments. Each one is like a little brother or sister to me, looking up to its older sibling for guidance. There are so many things I love about it, it's hard to list them all! Not just things like spreading knowledge of martial arts, but molding kids into responsible adults...into leaders. I enjoyed being a role model and did my best in all endeavors. Wow I miss teaching

Different people like the gi at different lengths. I know some people that like the pantlegs to be above their ankles...personally I like it to be just above the floor, just barely short enough to where they don't drag and I'm not stepping on them.

My haggis was good and dead. No idea how many legs were involved...

I saw that kick used in a kata at a tournmant once, so I tried it. It's not that difficult to do, but I don't see where It would be all that effective for sparring, especially point sparring, and especially when you have footgear on.

... us "double-jointed" people aren't immune to wristlocks. Just use more extreme angles and we'll cry.

Awww that's so sweet! Congratulations!!