senseipaul

i feel as though all martial artists do not push themselves as hard as they should. think about what we as martial artists stand for, then try to reach that goal. teachers included. i do not consider myself in excellent condiction, but i do not have the instructor "pot belly"

why can't you see yourself training ever again? if you want to do it, then you should do it. i need some information before i can answer your question well. how long had you studied? what rank (if any) did you achieve? i have been practicing for quite some time now, teaching as well (if you didnt get that from the name lol) i feel as though my art is like breathing, if i do not practice i will stop being..... everyone goes through some down time of sorts. a dojo closed, you have to move, etc. but you shouldnt let it get you down.

i would just like to make one thing very clear. rank does not mean anything other than what your instructor is to teach you next. also, look at it like this, bruce lee never achieved a rank. we honor him as a black belt and a master, as he desirves, but he never tested for such rank.

fencing is a good style to learn if you would like to work on your footwork.

from what i read of it, (givin that i never found an actual site) it is to certify you as an instructor. i do not need a degree to do what i have been doing and have been trained to do for the past 12 years. if i am wrong, and there is really a credited college or university in which offers a martial arts degree of any kind, please post a link or contact information. thank you.

im 21 and i hold a 5th degree black belt in shaolin kempo. i do not believe that age is a factor, focus and training is. as far as "knowing" thats a little trickier. first, i feel that there is always more to learn so the term master is a little of an over statement. i do feel that the biggest part of it is settling into your technique. its like one day you stop practicing and stop teaching and just step outside of yourself and realize where you come and where you have to go. for what sence that makes.

both. i do not like to stay locked into a style however, i do use many traditional stances. even when i am teaching i try to give a student some "free" time to play with their stance.

it is my belief that it is never too early to cross train. as a matter of a fact the sooner the better in my opinion.

ONE OF THE JUDGES WAS A 40 YEAR PRACTICIONER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 40 years!!! come on! I have 11 and 1/2 years under my belt and i am insulted at the fact that this 40 year master couldnt do it! WTF? also, as far as belts go, everyone is a white belt, no matter what rank you hold, the journey is always begining.

i dont know if anyone else has seen this show. it comes on the learning channel. last night they had an episode where they trained a student for 30 days to become a martial arts master. at the end of the show four practicioners were evaluated, three seasoned martial artists and our 30 day man. the three "judges" were then asked to say who they felt was not a master. one of the judges was a 40 year practicioner and he couldnt tell that this kid was not the real deal. and the dude looked ok but not cultivated enough to be mastery level. it upsets me that someone of 40 years experience could not peg his as a faker. and i also get tired of the Mcdonaldization of my art! so for the tangent but i had to get it out.

I know this has been said at least five times in response to your question, but I feel as though this could not be stated enough. Focus is the key to everything in this walk of life. Focus is everything in your training as is it everything in your studies. Now with that said, Chi can be focused to do anythinng. If you have the time to read about it, pick up the chi bible. The Tai Chi Classics. Most book stores do not carry it, but they can order it. If you have any other questions, send me a personal message.