monkeygirl

That's a difficult question, especially considering that many TKD dojos don't practice weapons at all, say nothing about any other styles.

Being around the language is great if you already have at least a little background in it. Other than that (especially in Asian countries because the language is so different), I would think that it would just sound like a bunch of gibberish! I've learned from computer programs and cassette tapes, with a supplementary english-*language* dictionary. It's great if you have the dedication to stick to it, and works pretty well. It's also nice if you're using a computer program that has voice recognition technology...not only can it tell you if you're saying the word correctly, but will also tell you if you sound like a native speaker or just some tourist.

**Jealous**

I take it you're an X-Ray tech yourself? Well, have a good one.

Sorry, I don't have one iota of knowledge about rugby. You might want to talk to the guys at http://www.rugbyforum.co.za.

OK telsun, I understand what you mean. Just a reminder: This forum isn't just for complete beginners; it can be for an experienced practitioner looking to switch arts, or in this case, asking for an opinion on a dojo.

True, it's disrespectful, but you said it yourself: it's a business. Competition is bound to occur, as unfortunate as that may seem

I love Parappa for PS2, but the original game makes me angry. Very...angry....getting....mad just thinking about it... OK gotta take deep breaths... IT'S SO HARD!!!!!

What you're describing is basically the "perfect art". All arts would combine and leave in only the good stuff. It sounds good in theory, but it's a mind-boggling task. Certain styles contradict each other in technique and training methods, so then it could turn into a struggle between "whose art is superior". It would be hard to develop a curriculum, let alone a ranking system (if there even was a system!). I don't know of any dojos that are attempting to do this. Perhaps instead of a dojo that puts all styles together, how about a club or organization that meets once a week? Each individual member of the club would continue with their regular training, and use the club as a method of exchanging ideas, theories, techniques, training methods, hold tournaments, etc. I think it could be absolutely incredible. Sure, there would be a fight or two along the way, but hopefully they could compromise and work it out.

We trained in traditional stances when it came to floor techniques and kata, but never transferred those over to sparring. For sparring stances, we stood completely sideways, most weight on the back leg, and both legs slightly bent (to prevent soemone from, say, jumping on your knee and hyperextending it... )

Indeed, I do not.

*applause* It really annoys me when people do all those flips and stuff. It puts so much pressure on the rest of us to be acrobatic, when it's just plain silly and useless. I'll admit, I've done a split or two to dress up my kata a bit, but the acrobatics just anger me. Mostly because I can't do it, but also because of what Shorinryu Sensei said...it's an MA tournament, not a gymnastics meet!

I dunno. The Martial Arts programming on ESPN2 seems to be completely random. I think they just stick it in there whenever they don't have anything "good" on. *sigh* I wish I had Blackbelt TV...

You might want to try watching a few Shotokan tournaments on ESPN2, they show them late at night sometimes. Those guys are really brutal! I don't really know anything about the style, but I know rough fighting when I see it!!

Good idea, Shorinryu Sensei! Starting a martial arts club on campus could be a great way for you to gain some experience...obviously you already have significant teaching experience. This would allow you to add to that, as well as get the different standpoint: being completely responsible for the club.

Hybrid, you make a good point. However, I think pulling him aside could be a last resort...it's always good to remind all of the students to keep themselves clean and fresh-smelling, not just the guilty ones.

ONLY 5'6"?? I'm 5'3" (according to the doctors...my mom insists that I'm 5'1"...probably because she's 5'2" )! Being short and sparring taller people is difficult, but only if you let it be that way. Skill and strategy can win over size any day of the week! If you let them intimidate you, however, you won't be able to utilize your skills and strategies. Of course, if that taller person is more skilled and experienced than you are, you'll have some difficulties.

Tenchu 3?? Hard?? Just kidding...although I did manage to kick the crap out of the first few levels (gotta love Ayame), I gave up after the part with the demons and the special sword. Part of that was due to the fact that I only had time to try it once that day, and then I just never got back to it.

Perhaps your experience could be best portrayed in a KarateForums.com Article?

Mmmmmkay. Evil is bad. Don't be evil. Hear no evil: {(^o^)} See no evil: (}o{) Speak no evil: (^x^) In the future, adding spoiler warnings, such as: S P O I L E R Might be a good idea. OK, continue your (non-evil!) discussion

I would suggest that you focus heavily on the business side of owning a dojo, when you go to college. Marketing, economics, finances, accounting, business ethics...all would be great. You'll probably want to study physical education as well, so you have some education on the subject other than what you receive in the dojo. I think it's good to be balanced in the teaching of and business of owning a dojo. That doesn't mean you have to run both sides, but I think that being well-rounded is important; knowing a lot about business can help you work with the person in charge of it.

You might try the Century video library, they have a few nunchaku tapes. I've been pleased with some of their other tapes (such as Kicknastics), so hopefully their nunchaku tapes are good, too.

Welcome to the forums!

Yeah, I'm fairly sure the weapon was fake.

Thin pine (anywhere from 1/2 to 2 inches) is pretty easy to break, as long as it doesn't have a lot of knots. Just make sure you drive straight through the board. Don't stop once you touch it, push through...otherwise you'll probably break your hand instead of the board. Also, make sure you're striking at a 90 degree angle to the board...no upward or downward strikes. This is especially important for kicks such as the sidekick, which usually tend to want to direct their force upwards instead of outwards. Why do you want to break boards, though? Unless you want to calcify your bones to the point of painful arthritis, I would suggest using a different training tool.