Aodhan

Almost every art was initially formed as a fighting art. It's when you start adding the competition aspects that the sport side grows. WTF tournament sparring is much different than actual TKD striking/kicking techniques. As far as a complimentary art, I would choose any of the grappling/joint lock type arts, such as jiujitsu, BJJ, judo, aikido. Kenpo, Shotokan, almost any karate/TKD variant will just be variations on a theme. Some will throw in joint locks and grappling, but it will be much more basic than a full art would be. Do like you did when you chose TKD, go to a bunch of different schools, try them out, and see what you like. Aodhan

He did have a question, does anyone know anything about SBD? Maybe since you have many stories, you could give a basic rundown of the art, such as which poomse you use, sparring style, background of the art, ancillary techniques (Grappling/joint locks, etc), whether you use weapons, things of that nature? That would be a good addition to the thread. Aodhan

Shouldn't affect speed too much, look at Stephen Lopez. You will, however, probably need to work on disguising foot techniques a little more than a shorter legged person, simply because of the fact that the longer the limb, the more time the end of the limb takes to go from point to point. Aodhan

If you have a properly balanced diet, all multi vitamins do is give you expensive urine. Multivitamins were created because people don't eat correctly, and this helps avoid deficiencies. Energy drinks, smoothies, things of that nature should be consumed 1/2 - 1 hour before your workout, depending on how your digestive system processes things. Protein bars/shakes should be reserved for after the workout, as that is when your body is recovering/rebuilding muscle tissue. Most studies recommend you take the shake within 1/2 hour of the end of the workout. Also, if you are running and lifting in the same day, separate them as much as possible, as running will tear down muscle tissue that you are trying to build. Aodhan

If you're talking about increasing vertical for basketball, you also need to work on your calf muscles. This is what will really give you spring. Calf raises and plyometric jumping exercises. Also, you can work on what gymnasts call "blocking", which is taking horizontal momentum and transferring it to vertical momentum. High jumpers do this as well. (Basically, a layup/dunk is a high jump without the flop at the end.) Aodhan

First you need to know how many calories it currently takes to maintain your present weight. Then add 1-3 calories per pound of body weight per day to that total (A very rough estimate.) So, if you weigh 150 pounds, then add between 150 and 450 calories per day. Don't forget, if you are adding exercise such as weightlifting into the mix, you will have to account for the increased caloric expenditure, and add more calories on top of that. And, adding empty calories will just help you pack on some fat. You need to add quality calories such as protein, fruits, veggies, etc. A lot of people get good results from protein supplementation in cases like yours. A good rule of thumb is to add 1/2 to 1 pound per week. This should result in quality weight gain, assuming you have a decent diet and workout regimen. As always, if you are really confused about it, talk with a nutritionist. If you don't have any money, go to your local university and talk with one of the nutrition professors. There are always graduating seniors that need to do projects, and you might be able to get it for free. Aodhan

Yes. Inside, you run at a premeasured pace, there is no effect from wind, and the running "bed" of the treadmill does have some slight cushioning. You also do not have to stabilize as much as running outside. If you want a great workout, go trail running. We used to do that in Colorado for cross country all the time. Aodhan

I haven't heard anything about that yet, but the ATA just had a Korean trip combined with a tournament in Korea. My school owner tested for and passed her 6th degree test, now she has a year long prep for Master testing. I wouldn't be surprised though, since this year IS the 50th anniversary of the modern codification of TKD. Aodhan

Not exactly a reasonable, nor a proveable statement. Bruce Lee's training regimen worked well for Bruce Lee, because he knew his own body, and what it took to train it and prepare it for whatever he wanted to do. Ross E's program will work for Ross E, because he knows HIS body and how to prepare it. Either one of these programs may or may not work for me or you. I do much better with more intensity, less repetition than most people. I can get away with weightlifting only once a week per bodypart. Other people can train 2 or 3 times a week on a body part. You need to take what works for you and build your own program rather than slavishly following in someone elses footsteps. Success is measured over time. Bruce Lee has an almost iconoclastic following, with thousands of blind devotees who say "Well, Bruce did this so it must be the best!", without considering whether it is the best for them. Ross may get to that point eventually, but he's probably had 10 years to develop a following vs. Bruce who has had almost 50 years (Not sure when TOJKD was published.) Aodhan

Not honorary, but what I've heard is that when you start getting to 5th dan and above, it's not so much the martial arts proficiency that is being tested, but what you have done to return something to your art. I.E., how many students have you taught, have you assisted on regional/national councils, have you helped advance the art in general, etc etc. Aodhan

Well, I passed my midterm (Barely) on Saturday. In between 2nd and 3rd dan, we have 3 midterms (One every six months). This midterm consisted of 3 2 minute rounds of free sparring, philosphy of the form, form demonstration, weapons form and breaking. Breaking almost cost me this time around. Had the breaks of upset hammerfist, and #3 (Lead leg completes kick) jump axe kick. Was using black rebreakable boards, theoretically comparable to 2.5 1" pine boards. Broke the hammer fist fine, on the first attempt at the axe kick, one of my holders lost his grip (I hit slightly off center, death on a rebreakable), and I dropped my axe kick right in the middle of his thigh (Holders were on one knee...I left a good sized bruise, anyway ). Next kick I was irritated at my original holder and wasn't paying attention, last attempt I went through it easily. Had to demonstrate the break again in class last night, broke both boards first attempt. Later this week I have to demonstrate random lower belt forms and do my instruction segments, but I don't see any problems with that. Goals: Next month I test for my black/red/black collar, and then in October/November I test for my full black collar (Fully certified instructor in the ATA), and take my second midterm. Woohoo!! Aodhan

Pushups: The closer you place your hands, the more emphasis on the inner pecs, the wider you place them the more outer pecs are emphasized. Also, if you keep your elbows close into the body rather than at a 90 angle, you will work your triceps more than anything. You can also elevate your hands on boxes to allow a deeper, fuller pushup. My favorites are wide pushups on boxes,and "marine" pushups. (Place hand in a triangle formation close together, dip until your nose almost hits your hands, then push forward and up, and then reverse your path.) Dips will work your chest if you lean forward while doing them, otherwise they emphasize the triceps more. Pullovers (Lay on your back, with your arms straight pull a weight up and over your chest from above your head.) Not sure why you want to do it without weights, there are lots of cheap weight sets available that would help immensely. Aodhan

Anonymous- Yes, and it's also important to train the fast twitch fibers first. Fast twitch is easily recruited, and also easily exhausted. If you do slow reps/heavy weights for a while before you go to plyo and explosive training, then it's very likely your fast twitch fibers are already exhausted and not enlisted for training. Explosive/speed drills first, then followed by the core strength training. Aodhan

Well, good luck with the testing, but I'd be worried about any school that will let you basically skip a belt with 1/2 hour of instruction behind it. Aodhan

First, let your sensei/sifu/sabunim know that you will be moving. Ask them if they know of any reputable instructors in your new area. Often, a letter of introduction from your current instructor will open a lot of doors. If there is no school that teaches your style, find out what schools ARE there, and again, check with your instructor and see if he can help you figure out which might be the most complimentary. Aodhan

Ah, I get what you are saying now. And you by no means ruffled feathers. I had a feeling we were talking at the same thing from different directions. Aodhan

I don't think that you could narrow it down to ONE most important athlete ever, you'd have to categorize it by sport, such as the person that most defines their sport. Also, you'd have to do research and compare accomplishments over time. Everyone screams Lance Armstrong, which is a very solid choice, but Greg Lemond was the first American, and also came back to win one after being shot with a shotgun in a hunting accident. He also could have won more if he hadn't been a good domestique. (BTW, did anyone know that Lance Armstrong was a nationally ranked age group triathlete when he was young?) Jesse Owens, Bruce Jenner, Mark Spitz, Eric Heiden, Edwin Moses, Joe Louis, Greg Lemond, Lance Armstrong, Eddy Merckx, Ali, Fraser, Sugar Ray, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Dale Earnhardt, Sir Roger Bannister, John Elway, Johnny Unitas, Walter Payton, Dr. J, Jordan, Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky, Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Superfoot Wallace, many many more in their individual sports. Aodhan

Consult with your doctor and a physical therapist, and work out a program that will help strengthen the muscles around the area as well. The weaker your muscles are, the more the ligaments have to help stabilize, and the more stress you put on them. Also pay attention to your nutrition, and possible supplementation. I've heard (Almost a 50/50 split) good things about chondroitin and glucosamine, it either works miracles for you or really doesn't do anything, so YMMV. Aodhan

http://www.ataonline.com/schools/locations.asp?cnt=ENGLAND%20/%20U.K. Not sure how close those are... Aodhan

I'd have to say that Jet Li and Tony Jaa are my favorite current stars, as far as old school, Chuck Norris hands down. I enjoyed Bruce Lee, but was never enamored. Aodhan

Yes, it's from the movie "Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon". I forget who the bad guy fighter was, but the main character was played by Tiamak, a multi art trained MA. Also had Vanity as the main female lead...woohoo!! Also as a side note, it was the first film appearance of Ernie Reyes, Jr. later of the West Coast demonstration team fame, as well as the Teenage mutant ninja turtles. Aodhan

I don't know. I would imagine that there will be a director's cut on the DVD if that is the case. I thought there was enough fighting in the movie as it was. If you went expecting a fight movie (Which was what the previews suggested), then yes, there probably wasn't enough fighting. However, if you accept it as a personal growth movie, then there was sufficient fighting. Aodhan

First, a little about anatomical position. If you stand up, place your hands at your sides, and then turn your hands so that the palms are facing forward, this is the anatomical position. A good way to picture it is to think of your pinkies touching the seam of your pants. When people discuss muscles being on the "inside" or "outside" of a limb, this is the position we are starting from. When a body is in anatomical position, there are three "lines" that separate body regions. One cuts horizontally through the body at the belly button, dividing us into top and bottom (Superior and inferior). The other two divide the body vertically. One is aligned with our ears and shoulders and divides us into front and back (frontal and dorsal), the other splits us right down the line of our nose (Midline). The midline will become important if you start talking about how far away something is from the center of the body. Once you divide the body, there are only a few more terms that you need to know in order to get started. Here is a list of the most basic: • Proximal/Distal: These terms are used to describe how close something is to the midline (body division) in relation to something else. They mean how they sound--distal is more distant, proximal is closer (proximity). For example, if you compare your elbow to your wrist, it is proximal (closer than the wrist). If you compare it to the shoulder, it is distal (farther from the midline than is the shoulder). • Medial/Lateral: These terms are used to describe whether a point is on the "inside" or the "outside" of something. For example, think of your foot. The big toe is on the medial (middle) side of the foot, and the little toe is on the lateral side. There are three different types of muscles in the body: Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart; smooth muscle is generally found in blood vessel walls, and walls of organs such as the small intestine or stomach, etc.; the last is skeletal muscle, and this is the one that concerns us the most. Skeletal muscle comes in four different forms, parallel, convergent, pennate and circular. Most of the msucles in the body are of the parallel type. This is where the fibers of the muscle lay mostly parallel to the long axis of the muscle. The biceps (Upper arm muscle) is a good example of this type of muscle. Convergent muscles are based over a broad area, but come together at one attachment point. The pectorals (Chest muscles ) are an example of this. They are broad near the center of the chest, but come together to attach at one point on the arm (Near to the shoulder). In a pennate muscle, the fibers all form a common angle with the tendon. These muscles don't contract as much as a parallel muscle will, but they provide more direct power. An example is the rectus femoris (part of the muscle group on the top of the leg known as the quads--it is responsible for straightening the leg at the knee). The deltoids (Shoulder muscles) are also pennate muscles. The last type is circular muscle. These muscles will not be looked at, since their function is to close openings in the body. The muscles that close the lips are examples of circular muscles. Since what actually makes a muscle move and contract is an extremely broad topic, this will not be covered in detail, but there are some basics that are good to know. There are two nervous systems that we will look at, the central and the peripheral. The central nervous system includes the brain and nerves of the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system contains the nerves that run out to the muscles and various parts of the body and then back to the central nervous system again. When the brain decides that a muscle needs to contract, it sends out a signal through the central nervous system. This signal passes to the peripheral system and keeps getting passed from nerve to nerve until it hits the muscle. The nerve at the muscle lets out a substance that causes muscle cells to contract. As long as the nerve lets out this substance, the muscle will contract (until either the nerve runs out of transmitter substance, or the muscle cell is completely exhausted). This sounds simple, but there are thousands of nerve and muscle cells that all need to act in unison to produce a contraction and a resulting movement. Just a bit of information, this is what produces a muscle cramp, misfiring of the neuron which does not stop releasing the exciter substance. As a side note, a reflex is a nerve pathway that is "burned in" or "hardwired" to produce a specific reaction to a stimulus. This is the fastest nerve reaction in the body. Training and getting muscle memory patterned can produce a motion that is almost as fast as a reflex, but it will never have the speed of a reflex, it will just appear that way. Muscles are designed to move the body (duh! ), and only if a muscle crosses a joint will it produce an action at the joint. For example, the quads cross both the knee and the hip joints, and will produce action at both. For a long time, the traditional situp (Where you bend at the waist) was thought to work the abdominals, but since you bend at the hips for this, there is minimal abdominal work done. Finally, the difference between muscles, tendons and ligaments. Muscles are elastic, and are designed to contract to produce specific movements in the body. Tendons are less elastic, and are designed to anchor muscles to bones. Ligaments are the least elastic, and are designed to connect bone to bone. Ligaments are much like the springs in click pens. You can stretch them out, but once you do, it's impossible to get them to contract back to their original shape. This is why if you do something like dislocate a shoulder (Which is a joint consisting almost solely of ligaments), it's much easier to do it again and again. Hope this helps anyone that had questions! Aodhan

Another bump with a bit more information: Tendons connect muscles to bone, ligaments connect bone to bone. Your patella is contained inside a tendon, and is a pyramid shape. It tracks in a "V" shaped groove at the end of the femur. When you sublex or dislocate it, you have basically popped it out of that groove. There are 4 ligaments in the knee, Anterior Cruciate, Posterior Cruciate, Medial collateral and lateral collateral. The cruciates form a large X (Hence the cruciate), and all 4 stabilize the knee by connecting the femur to the tibia. There are two menisci in the knee, one lateral (Towards the outside of the leg), and one medial (Towards the inside of the leg.) They are halfmoon in shape, and provide padding between the tibia and the femur (They rest on top of the tibia.) There are dozens of treatment regimens, depending on what the injury is. Even if you are able to walk without pain, any time you injure the knee you should get it checked out, there is a lot of damage that can be done that won't have associated pain (Other than immediate at time of injury.) Aodhan

I don't see why not, unless your sensei has objections to you competing. I would imagine that you could enter the "open forms" section, and sparring shouldn't be a problem as long as you adhere to the rules they are sparring under. Aodhan