Tim Greer

I don't lift any weights that I can't lift at least 5 times. I do reps of 8 to 10. If I can do 10, I add 5 more pounds, and so on. If I can do 12, it's definitely time to move up on the weight. Adding 5 to 10 pounds at a time, depending on where you're peaking. Also, I make sure that the last two reps bring it to near or at exhaustion. Really push the last two reps -- get someone to spot you or build something to do it for you, just in case. Make sure you do it slowly and smoothly -- no rocking or bending, just using the parts of the body you should be. I think that is a pretty good rule of thumb in working out, but I could be losing out on strength for my muscle size too, but I don't think I am... I really should look into it, but as long as I'm active, energetic, strong, fast and feeling good, I think I'm doing something right... just maybe it could be a little better.

Ken, I'd appreciate your input on a post I made a few months ago about working out, training, etc. This isn't my martial arts training schedule, but my work out schedue. I'd like your input on if you know of anything that could replace one of the stypes of workouts I do (or more than one) to better maximize my workouts. I'll make it clear now, I'm not interested in mass or being "big". Not that I mind it, but my goal is simply to have the most power/strength for the mass of the muscle. In other words, I don't want to be big with as much or less power than someone that's not got muscles as big as mine, for example. So, the max power/strength per ounce, I guess you could say. Also, being tone and definied is not a problem for me. I should also mention lastly, that I'm not the type of person to eat a lot of calories in a day and if I didn't work out, I'd probably drop down to like 135 and stay there. So, I have to work hard to keep myself built and strong, but again, maybe you can give me a little advise on how to better maximize my workouts. I don't think there's anything wrong with my workout, as long as I can do it, but suggestions on improvement or agreeing it's the best workout (provided I am able to stay with it) that can really be outlined? Anyway, here's the URL: http://www.ifroggy.com/karateforums/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=114&forum=2&post=1183 If you give me your suggestions or feedback, please post it in this thread. I'm always looking to improve this aspect, as I'm too busy perfecting the other aspects and I know I am doing well at the working out aspects too, but I'm sure it can be better. Oh, I should mention, that I most definitely prioritize the workout and make sure I do the most effective and most important things first, just in case I get too busy some days to do it all.

A: We know who you are, MT... B: I think it's time you leave. C: If you have a problem with that, why don't you contact me and leave this crap off the board. _________________ Regards, Tim Greer -> admin@chatbase.com | Phone: 530-222-7244 I study any and every style and I'm always looking to spar!! Also, if I'm not around for a while, I'm just away training. This Message was edited by: Kickbutt on Aug 14, 2001 9:40pm

You misunderstood. I do train in these styles. This is not what happens or what they are about. I'm not sure I understood your first post, let alone this newest one. I wasn't saying you were lying, just that if that was what happened, you need to find a real school -- I tell you this as someone that has really studied this and done it. So then, I guess it would come down to if you believe me, but I invite you to research it and check into what I said, as this is not correct training and you will get injured. You can ask a qualified person to verify what I've told you. I can also suggest a lot of books and videos by a renown master that will verify this as well, if you would like. Nonetheless, if you would provide me with your location, I can suggest the nearest school I know of - that is, if you're interested. As for the MT training, I guess I misunderstood. However, I'm still wondering why you desire to train in it, after witnessing all these other styles you were impressed by. Anyway, for the sake of keeping this on topic, I'll end it there. Good luck.

This doesn't sound like any specific training in the Shaolin styles I am aware of. I said it in another post, and I'll say it again here -- if you are in any training and the "sifu" or anyone else tells you to stand in Ma Bu (The horse stance) for over 10 minutes, you have a school that doesn't know what they are doing and you are going to get injured. Standing in Ma Bu for over 10 minutes at a time will do serious damage to your knees. To me, this school you went to, or temple, or whatever, didn't appear to offer anything in the way of what would sound familiar to many people that have done just that. I'm a little confused about some of your other posts on these forums, where you've studied, attended, trained in or witnessed these various aspects of Shaolin Kung Fu styles and are impressed by them, but you train in MT? Anyway, if you are serious about studying some Shaolin styles, or maybe some internal styles, let me know where you are and I'll see if I can suggest someone near. I'm not saying the above paragraphs to mock you or anything at all, it just didn't sound like anything special, and only sounded like another school you pay to visit (in the US, or China) and they just take your money and screw with you and make you do ridiculous physical training that will make you want to leave and think it's such hard work that you won't question the quality of the training. Therefore, this is my sincere effort to offer some suggestions, depending on where you are located, of some different places you can truly train with some qualified instructors that won't just end up harming your body and wasting your time. There are many styles such as the Shaolin styles, as well as some internal Kung Fu styles that are very fun, effective and real and it's something to definitely look into. However, a good sign they aren't real or qualified, is when they don't understand things, or are just trying to work people so hard that they don't question the quality of the school or instructor -- and a big warning sign, is when they start in with all that rigid, outrageous body conditioning BS and demand people do things to the point where it will only cause harm. Qualified instructors will understand this and not require people stand in such a position for such a duration, because they know it can (and will) do damage to you. This is a fact, so I hope that explains why I'm responding in the manner I am now and it's nothing personal. It's just hard for me to believe, given the above information in whole, that this "temple" was for anything other than to try and impress people enough to take their money -- if it required any. If it didn't, then I really have to wonder.... Anyway, on a side note, definitely, drugs, alcohol and smoking are something no one in their right mind would want to do. There's no fun in poisoning your body (and that's literally what drinking and drugs do to give you that high), even if it seems to make you feel good. As for sex, any school that discourages it, is not for me. Heh, just kidding, sex is fine, as long as you don't do it before training... you have to have a certain interval between any type physical activity after sex. _________________ Regards, Tim Greer -> admin@chatbase.com | Phone: 530-222-7244 I study any and every style and I'm always looking to spar!! Also, if I'm not around for a while, I'm just away training. This Message was edited by: Tim Greer on Aug 14, 2001 4:36pm

I believe in that movie, they jut fought, taking turns... I don't recall anything I said being reminisent of the movie plot -- good movie though. Anyway, I'm not sure if you got the indication from my post (I couldn't tell by your response) that I was at all trying to say anything like people take turns, etc. Of course, in movies, they all stand there, waiting to have the hero hit them, one by one. Obviously avoiding or otherwise fleeing the situation, is preferable. However, the point to martial arts and fighting even one person, is only meant to be if you can't get out of it -- be it one person or many people. The more you train to deal with the worst situations, the better off you are -- in case you can't run. This same theory holds true of one person. You say you'd be out of there if it was multiple people, which is good, but no mention of any fight? Wouldn't you then run from any fight? Any fight that can be avoided (and most can), is only going to be fought for few reasons. Ego is often true of a reason, but mostly it's out of anger. There's a big difference, even if both reasons are stupid. I just was a little confused that you seemed to say that people should run from a fight with a few or more people or say it's out of pride? But you must realize there are other reasons too of why someone would fight. Finally, of why you didn't mention this in singular terms, since the same holds true of any fight, even against one person. I just thought you might want to elaborate or clear that up, so no one misunderstood what you meant. Cheers.

Okay, I just edited the above to fix all my stupid spelling mistakes, add things, and to elaborate or explain some of my suggestions, ideas and meanings a little more comprehensively. However, I had a good workout today and it's after 5 AM here again, and I need to get some rest. I also need to get going on my training, like I said in my other post, so I think this will probably be the last post I'll contribute to for a long while. I hope that some of these ideas, suggestions or whatever, will give people workable and valuable ideas to develop, use or work off of. Have fun everyone, it's been fun ranting like a mad man for the last month or so. Cheers!

Okay, we'll stand across the room from each other. I'll have a gun... and... Anyway, definitely, when sparring and training, you should always train to deal with multiple attackers... always. if you don't, there's something wrong with your school -- assuming they just haven't because you aren't to the point where you can deal with that sort of training yet.. but... Always practice with a few people, if you can. Put yourself in compromising situations. Such as people would do to you in a real fight. Someone might have you down on the ground and they might be kicking (and possibly hitting and jumping on you) from different sides and angles. You need to know how to get out of that situation with the least amount of harm, when you're on the ground and there's someone on each side of you kicking you in the ribs and face. You need to train to be able to deal with that, because you aren't likely going to have time to get out of it without being really hurt, without thinking quick and having some experience. Also, and of course, different angles and sides and positions of attacks and what happens if "this" happens and when "that" happens, etc. Obviously it will come down to how quick you can think and how skilled you are and how inventive and adaptive you can be... that's the key. However, it's always good to get experience doing this, a lot, and you will have a huge advantage. Purposely put yourself in very awkward positions, seriously, anything that can happen if someone manages to get you basically tied up in a knot (almost, you get the point), and be able to do something about it, get out of there. Always be ready to act, react, counter, evade from any position. That's to say, if someone grabs your arm in a punch (or anything else that's possible) and throws you off balance, tosses you to the side, in front of them, flips you or whatever.. you should be ready to bounce back, evade, back track a little and give yourself room, time and safety, or just outright counter and use it to your advantage -- from anywhere you land, in any position -- be ready to do something about it, especially if they are going to continue and follow up on the technique -- don't let them be able to! Moreover, that if they are doing any technique, not just throwing you or putting you in a lock, but if they counter and start a technique that they are going to kick, knee, elbow, strike you or whatever, don't let them be able to -- or at least don't let them be able to finish their combination of their technique or execute another following the previous one. Get people to put you in holds and locks, etc. Find the best way to get out of them, cause them harm and add the scenario of other people also contributing to attacking you whilst this person has you in a hold or lock. Find out and discover new or familiar techniques to deal with these things. Keep this in mind too, in regards to my suggestions here, is to recognize when things are bad. What I mean is, there are certain things people can do that can and will lead you into their plan, lead you into their technique, etc. Recognize and immediately get out of a potential situation that is just going to be bad. That's to say, know when to not do certain things and why, from these different variables that arise in a fight. Obviously, if some things happen, some locks, some types of seizing techniques, you are _not_ going to be able to get out of, prevent once it happens or get out of or counter them. Know when things get too close and can lead you into that situation and be ready to make sure that can't happen. This is very important to get experience with. Recognize these things and take a hit if need be -- if you have the choice of something that is going to end your defense completely, or just maybe knock you off balance or whatever, which you should be prepared to deal with, you should do the latter. You should have defaults. You should be ready to deal with these things anyway -- for example, they are taking you in, they will lock and break something, but you are ready to counter it, because they only have so many options once they start to execute a certain technique. So, that can be to your advantage or give you some carnal insight. How many people do you assume would be ready to contend with someone with this type of experience and insight? Also, don't always think about planning or aiming or whatever, to the head, knees or one part of the body, go for whatever is the most reasonable and harmful area and use the most effective, safest technique to do without getting into trouble or opening yourself up. It's like a boxer that keeps trying to hit his opponent on the head, when the body would be a better idea to concentrate on -- unless you have the ability to knock them out with a punch, which isn't likely for most people to be able to do (just an example). You _can_ keep a safe zone for yourself in almost any situation, even against multiple attackers. You simply need to find the reasons and principles behind them and get going on the action of studying them and getting experience with them. This will always be a benefit and advantage. Also, as you said, dealing with weapon's is good too. This would really suck to have to deal with in a real situation, without any experience -- when you're only used to fists, feet, knees, elbows and heads to contend with. Definitely get used to dealing with bats, sticks, knives, guns, bottles and glass, and rocks... and any such thing that can be found on the ground or will be likely. Of course, some things function in the same manner and you can therefore be ready to deal with many different weapons, or have a good basis to anyway, by dealing with other's. I think you have the right idea.. I say go for it, anytime you have the chance. Just remember though, try and not just get used to what they teach you in your school either, or any pre-planned, effective attacks. Most people will not know how to properly use a weapon, and that's not always to your advantage, since it's so wild, it's going to be difficult to get a grasp of what they'll possibly do next. This means that you will likely be unprepared for a real situation in a manner of speaking. Therefore, practice against skilled people, but make it a point to defend against wild, stupid attacks, as you would in real life against people that are going nuts with no skill. Further, make sure that you do study the dynamics of it all, because, almost in opposition to my above statement, you can sort of prepare and learn, which is with any good martial arts technique, to understand that depending on the action, the motion,the angle, speed, and other such variables, you will know, even in their wild attack, that they are likely (or definitely) going to be going "that way" or doing "this" or "that" and how they will be limited to do other things. It's like how Bruce Lee said once (and I am in no way "milking" the Bruce Lee legend here), that someone has a bat and thinks they have an advantage -- but you do... what are they going to do with a bat? They can swing, poke, jab, and that's about it. You, however, have your arms, legs, hands, feet, knees, elbows and a large variety of options -- whilst they are still limited to swinging, jabbing and the like -- not a very big advantage, is it? Finally, try and make sure that you do this against people of different sizes (different strengths, weights and heights), as is the same good idea for any technique, dealing with any aspect of martial arts, because this too will help greatly and give you a better idea of dynamics, time and distance and what techniques work better than others, depending on those variables. Of course, this is all stuff to build off of, I'm just trying to open people up to other ideas, there's much more. My intention in that regard, within the next few months or year, is to build up (and I know how this sounds and would seem ridiculous, overkill or flawed -- or like a movie we all know) and start a fight club in my local area -- figure, anyone willing within about 150 miles in any direction that wants to participate. Of course, this will be handled intelligently, not be a lot of people just looking for fights, but it will be real, people will get "broken", hurt, bloodied, knocked out, but not killed or anything. Basically, just mix it up, get an exact, realistic experience and knowledge and develop around it by incorporating various knowledge and ideas. Also, no required skills levels, although that will be encouraged, but any brawler that can be civil and sane that wants to mix it up. I can not wait!! _________________ Regards, Tim Greer -> admin@chatbase.com | Phone: 530-222-7244 I study any and every style and I'm always looking to spar!! Also, if I'm not around for a while, I'm just away training. This Message was edited by: Tim Greer on Aug 11, 2001 5:13am

I hate to burst your bubble, but this problem is no worse in "America" than in any other country, including China. It might not be quite so bad in China, but it's very close. It is just as bad in Canada, Europe, Australia, Mexico and other countries, as it is in the states. I don't know why people assume it's only so bad in America, and I'm a bit annoyed (not offended mind you -- because you're right about it) that people don't acknowledge all the same faults in other countries that also exist, just as they do in America. Most people in the world are one or more of the following; lazy, clumbsy, out of shape, egotistical, impatient, stubborn, ignorant, stupid and most definitely unskilled and untrainable. If you can show me that Americans in martial arts are so much more grossly unqualified to have their belt ranks over say, someome from Australia, the UK, Canada, etc. to such a degree, then I'll be happy to eat my words. Of course, this isn't something we can really prove anyway, but this problem is definitely more far reaching than in America and is just as bad elsewhere. Personally, any school that charges for you to go up in rank, is a con in my opinion. It's one thing to pay to be certified with an organization that will recognize you truly are this rank -- assuming you truly are! However, the other disgusts me. Furthermore, any school that gives out black belts to anyone that is under the age of 14 or 15 (and that's _really_ pushing it and they'd have to be one in 100 million in talent and skill!), then that too is a fraud. Surely, some schools might do it to keep kids interested and give them rewards and make them happy and have a goal -- that is fine... but to ever dare and assume or claim that truly means some child has reached such a degree of skills at such an age....well.. give me a break... to me, that is a sign that the school is not for me and it's not serious enough. I realize people need to make money, but for the most part, we all know what it means.

I forgot I checked email updates. Hey everyone, thanks for the words of encouragement. MuayTB1, don't believe your friend when he says that. If that's true, he/she should quit that place ASAP, assuming they haven't already. Training can or can not be difficult or strenuous, depending on who you are and your conditioning -- and how much you condition yourself, but any teacher that makes anyone stand in Ma Bu (Horse stance) for 3 hours, should be sued. Doing such is only doing damage to their knees. You don't want to ever stand in Ma Bu for over 10 minutes at most. Also, someone emailed me asking the difference between these styles, etc. and other various things, but their email bounced. Kung Fu is anything, Kung Fu isn't so much a style, it's meaning covers everything. In it's essense, every style known to man is considered Kung Fu. Also, the question about how these styles are "internal" as opposed to "external" and how one is 'soft' and the other is 'hard', one is more real for street fighting and the other is more passive and "beautiful" or whatever in forms and is dependant on some voodoo conjuring of the great Chi god or whatever, this is all confusion and off the wall. Internal and external styles do not mean either within your body and mind, as opposed to actually doing realistic techniques. Both Internal and External styles are basically the same in many regards. Tai Chi Chaun is not some dance or excercise for elderly people -- it's a very brutal and effective art. This isn't breathing excercises. Internal Kung Fu styles are based on styles within China, that's what internal means -- they are internal to that country. External simply means that the style of Kung Fu was brought from (as historically as we all know to be the most true) India by the monk Da Mo to the Shao Lin temple. It's considered "External", because it came from outside of the country of China. Therefore, since all styles of fighting are "Kung Fu", one is Internal Kung Fu -- being developed and within China, and Extrernal Kung Fu, being brought in from the outside from India (or anywhere else). It has no bearing on the realism or effectiveness of the style. I hope that's more clear, and why I mentioned the example of Tai Chi Chaun and how that is one of the many misconceptions about what it's about, as with many internal styles. Hsing-I, as I mentioned earlier about my study of it, was created by a man that studied Shaolin style Kung Fu from his father, and wasn't interested in it, as much as he was into Judo and Boxing and other things. He was renown for his abilities and speed and his style, but he ran into a Shaolin trained person and got [word edited out]y with him, and the Shaolin guy "Whooped" his ass... He then realized what he was missing and begged this guy to teach him and get serious about it and incorporate this into his current style and knowledge, devled into Shaolin Kung Fu and never looked back. This developed a very, very effective and experienced/developed system that incorportated many new elements into the Shaolin Kung Fu he learned before and after. This is why it's so rare the opportunity I have is, because John Price (as mentioned earlier) is directly of the second generation lineage. He studied in Taiwan for so-many years and when he moved back to the states, his master would come out for years and stay with him and his wife for months on end and continue training Mr. Price. There's really no one else in the states as experienced, unless they are a diciple of John Price -- and there are a few (about 8, I think) that are teaching the styles throughout the states. Anyway, I hope that provides some better information and insight about the styles I mentioned in my original post to the people that asked, or the people that are wondering. Anyway, again, thanks for the words of encouragement, I know how rare and difficult it is to find any true/real teacher of these type of arts in the states (or anywhere else for that matter), so be careful when some teacher makes you stand in Ma Bu for hours on end and expects you to pay to have your knees ruined. Anyway, I'm off... Cheers!

Hey everyone, it's been fun, but as I intended to do previously, I am going to be away training. I was asked to help moderate this forum, which I agreed to. However, I have just spoken to a person that teaches one of the most effective martial arts I know of, and has everything. This person is one of the few in the world with this high of a rank in this art. It's cool enough to have found this guy, but you don't find him, unless you're looking -- he doesn't advertise or anything. Sort of an inncer-circle type of thing. Anyway, after speaking with him today, I am going to finally have the chance to delve into the greatest of arts by the most qualified person I can think of. I'm very fortunate, and I'm going to basically emmesrse myself into studying and training. If any of you know or have read my opinions and theories and how I like to train, you can imagine how unique it is to find great styles taught by a high ranking instructor, whom happens to share my same opinions and theories about how to train, and train for real. I'm very excited to have the ability to study under this person, and this is so rare, I don't want to delay it. This seems like what I've been looking for. The styles I will be studying, are various forms of Kung Fu (the real stuff, not any "fantasy" crap, no passiveness or whatever most schools in this country try and pass off -- and you really use it, unlike many schools). The styles are Hsing-I, Tai Chi Ch'uan, Chin Na and various other styles. I feel this will both improve and complement my previous nd current training, knowledge and goals. For the viewers that don't know about these styles, Tai Chi is not the "artful", "slow" activity for old people that you see in bad commercials. All of these; Tai Chi (TaiJi) Ch'aun/(TaiJiQuan) is very cool and a very brutal system, as is Hsing-I ((XingYi)/Hsing-I Chuan (XingYiQuan)) [Shen Lung Hsing [- Tang Shou Ta]], Pa Kua (Chang) (BaGua/Baguazhang) and Chin Na (Qin Na/Quin-na), Shuai and the other styles compliment it very well. I am lucky enough to live within only a few miles from John Price, whom studied directly under Master Hsu Hong Chi. These are complete systems, and are very, very effective, real and brutal. John Price was named as the head of the Tang Shou Tao for the United States and also vice president of the same organization in 1977, but moved to my area shortly after [1979] (lucky me). He basically brought it here. As you can imagine, this is a rare opportunity, so I'm going to take full advantage of it. Therefore, I simply won't have time to participate here much at all, if at all. I do have to work online still (I'm not going to be a bum, yet), and I might check in, but I'll likely be too busy working, and if I have time to not work, I'll be offline or in idle and be off training. Anyway, just wanted to let anyone that was curious, to know why I'm not going to be around. Have fun, everyone, I know I will.

I think I'll kill Jerry Springer and all his "guests", if I had the chance.. Okay, seriously, that show literally pisses me off and that he makes money from it. It's hard to believe people watch that trash. I mean, it's not even funny. How many times can you watch bad actors fight, spit and cuss? The instant I hear or see that show, I either turn the channel or turn the TV off. I'd probably get violent if I was forced to watch that pile of crap. On a brighter note, The Family Guy has been back on air for the last 5 weeks and I'm very happy for that.

I won't be rooting for either. I think I remember Frank from around the area, but I don't know that I ever met him or anything. He's no one I know, so I'm not at all biased about any of it. I'll root for the best fighter... you'll have to update us on which one that turns out to be.

I would be a newly laid chicken egg... One day, I will break away from my yolkie shell and burst into a tremendious, powerful, amazing 2" fluffy yellow little chickling. Of course, I can't fly or do anything useful... not much meat either,.. and, no good for eating... ..er... Hmmm... Yeah, yup.. that's me in a nutshell.

Shamrock grew up in the same town as me... well, within a few miles anyway.