Meguro

I knocked down a senior instructor with a gedan mawashigeri. My first instinct was to rush over to see if he was ok. I was criticized by the instructor, but not harshly, for forgetting to administer the coup de grace. The guy was ok and was looking for pay-back before time was called.

That's a bummer Hawkeye. Just give it as much rest as it requires. Rushing back in to training too soon will only aggravate it, and then you'll have to switch to Tai Chi or something

Yup, basically a gedan tsuki demonstrating that you could've delivered the coup 'de grace to the downed opponent. You're not punching over the lead arm guard, it just looks that way.

To be of any real benefit, I think you've got to bike (or run) at a pace where you can't have a conversation with the next guy (a training buddy perhaps) because you're working so hard. Where I live the roads are way too congested for that kind of riding, sometimes even running can be a problem. Might as well jump right into the class. Nobody expects you to be instep and in shape in the beginning.

Don't ya just hate when that happens. Take care of that rib. You may want to reconsider the tournament. Your guard will be a little lower cause you'll be favoring your injured side opening you up to potentially more serious injury.

Hate being sidelined due to injury. That's a bummer. BTW is the bursitis related to a previous injury, age, excess weight, genes?

I guess sushi/sashimi is out of the question. I like salmon broiled and seasoned with just a little salt and pepper. Raw isn't bad either but a sushi chef does that for me.

I'd read that if your goal was to do a certain number of push-ups, you should start by doing 4 sets of 80% of your target number from your knees. That is, if your target is 100 regular push-ups, do 4 sets of 80 from your knees. If you can't do regular push ups, try reducing the resistance by starting from your knees as I stated above, or by leaning against a wall and pressing against that, or pushing against a chair or staircase. As your strength increases, increase the resistance until you can do regular push-ups to whatever number makes you happy.

Awesome training schedule and diet plan. I got tired just reading it. Congratulations on losing the 67 lbs, that's like a small child on your back jumping off! Thinking about your routine makes me laugh about some people I see highlighted in those makeover reality shows, you know the guys who need the silicone breast implants to get pecs not to mention the the numerous liposuction addicts. Salmon, or any fish for that matter, shouldn't smell fishy if it's fresh. If you're getting it pre-packaged at the supermarket, it ain't the freshest. Shop where you can find the fish on ice. Lately they've been saying that the amount of mercury in oily fish like salmon is too much for regular consumption. This is a problem for me as I love the taste of salmon. Another fish you might like is arctic char, very similar in taste, if not a little lighter.

As a 13 year old you shouldn't be too self-conscious about your appearance. In truth, most people feel awkward at this time. It passes. However there are some sensible things you can do now that will end up paying benefits as you get older. Be active. Spend as little time in front of the television and pc and more time outdoors playing soccer or in a dojo doing your favorite martial art. Avoid soft-drinks and junk food, and get a good night's sleep. I don't believe in diets. A good diet contains a little bit of everything, in moderation of course. The fad diets you hear about might not be the best thing for the growing bodies of children.

What's your weight training routine like, and what's your diet all about? I'd like to put on about 5lbs, tops.

20 mins by bike or 40 mins by train.

There are master sargeants, master chefs, headmasters, etc. Do you have problems with them to? Relax, it's just a title that only has significance inside your martial arts school. The real problems in life arise when you address others as Daddy or dearest, when they are not in fact your father, spouse or bf/gf.

You're flexible enough, perhaps too flexible like a rubber band that's lost it's elasticity. I'm not a physiologist so I don't know if the analogy holds. I'm curious, what was the point of this flexibility, kata or fighting? Sounds like what you've developed is static flexibility, which is obtained by holding a stretch position for a long period of time. Contrast this with dynamic flexibility, which is flexibility obtained by kicking and moving (it's better and more accurately explained elsewhere). I like the suggestion of using elastic bands to develop strength. Other types of resistance training might help with your kicks.

and there you have it.

Take a raw egg in the palm of your hand and sqeeze. Do this over a sink of you doubt me. Squeeze with even pressure, at first lightly and then gradually build up the pressure. Make sure you aren't wearing any rings. You'll notice that it takes quite a lot of force to crush the egg, but a gentle tap on the edge of a pan or counter will easily crack it.

What's wrong with a stool? It's a lot more likely to be around than a sai, tonfa, 3 sectional staff, whip chain, etc., etc. I can see training with a bo or a jo, because there are a lot of similar sized sticks around. Really I'm just curious. I remember someone telling me about an at that did this (might have been Hung Gar)... As I look around the room I find a mop and broom in the corner. In the hall closet is a steel rod to access the attic trap-door, a base-ball bat and hockey stick. If you look hard enough, there are many staff-like everyday items you can use as a weapon. Sadly, no horse bench anywhere. The chairs are kind of heavy, but if I broke off one of the legs I might use it as a short staff.

I've seen it in kung fu flicks. It looks very similar to what Jackie Chan does with everday items. But seriously, wouldn't you rather work with a staff rather than a piece of furniture. This reminds me of the Austin Powers movie when Random Task throws his shoe at Powers. 'Honestly, who throws a shoe?' So I ask you, honestly, who fights with a bench?

I caught a Ryuta Noji fight on the tube recently. He won with a left hook knock out of his opponent. He got lucky in this one because he was knocked down at the opening bell. It looked like he would be overwhelmed because he was blocking a lot of upper punches with his face, and as a result was a little unsteady on his feet. Did Noji ever fight Kentaro Tanaka?

My kids leave these things littered all through the house! If you thread a loop to them you can hang them as Christmas ornaments or whatever.

Hey Superfoot, did you start training with Hanshi Arneil? Don't mean to rush you, just curious. I'd be interested in knowing what his classes are like.

A nidan in Kyokushin is high enough to get a club going. If you post flyers and make inquiries, you might be able to find other Kyokushin karateka who would like to join you. I'm sure your current head instructor can give you tips on lesson plans, and when it comes to testing and promotions, he might be able to visit your club. Of course, cross training in Muay Thai is also a good option. I would be torn between the two.

When TKD was introduced to the US, it was often sold as Korean Karate. There is a strong influence of Shotokan in TKD. This is not to say that they are exactly alike. TKD also draws from traditional Korean fighting arts-obviously involving high kicking. Like anything else in the world there's a lot of borrowing and sharing of ideas. Karate didn't just come to Funakoshi in a dream.

Always check you shinai for splinters or get yourself a composite one. Dry out your dogu before storage. Stretch your calves and be prepared for forearms like Popeye.

Why don't you open your own branch? Show them what Kyokushin is all about.