OldRookie

Hmmm--good luck Brudda....I have seen several ppv matches of UFC & K-1 & had ringside seats last month at an amateur event with 15 matches_have you watched much UFC?...seriously, you know the majority of the matches go to a submission (choke,armbar,ect.) or just the "ground & pound". As its been said you need to be training in more than just Kung Fu if you really desire to win in UFC but, what do I know...anything could happen.

O.K. yeah--the plot was thin & a lot of it was unrealistic but- its a movie. The trailer for 2 looks pretty sweet. I do hope they make the soundtrack better-some of the music in the original just did not fit the situations & was pretty lame.

I have to totally agree with Karate25 & Sam. Speed is crucial to creating power and you need to focus striking through the target- Do not stop at the surface of the bag or pad. Just as with board breaks, strike to penetrate through as if you are aiming at a point say-6 inches past the actual target. Make sure and snap/twist your hips to help throw your body behind your kicks also. Stay relaxed-do not tense until the last second of the strike as if cracking a whip. Just my 2 cents..

same here tkdBill-we generally buy Macho.I have been ordering my own gear & even my wavebag(as opposed to getting it through the dojang)from Superfoots.com, Bill Wallace's company.They have always been quick with delivery & the prices on their gear was usually a little cheaper than most. The life of your gear really depends on how much it gets used.

..I have been "studying" the guitar for a l-o-n-g time...but still only know 5 chords...

....i don't know guys--he hasn't done any films i'd pay to see in quite a while....think i'll wait till it hits the video store...just to be fair though, i'll say Jackie Chan has also put out a few bombs lately that i have dropped $7.00 to see..

Have to agree with my children's laughter also....And~~camping out on clear nights with a zillion stars overhead & the only sound is owls in the distance~~the smell of fresh coffee in the morning~~chocolate chip cookies hot from the oven~~unexpected snow,silently covering the trees & hills around my house~~my family telling me how great i did & giving me hugs after a tournament--even if i don't get the 6ft trophy...

Now that this post has been bumped thought I would ad~~~I am now the Oldest "target" in sparring class! The few other over 40's have stopped showing up but I'm still plugging along...not ready for my walker just yet!

Belt grade system is fine.........I agree with DM-you don't need a belt. It gives me a sense of accomplishment in that "I have been over that hill--now for the next one".......but---in sparring class we usually don't wear belts & try to compete as all the same...(but still take it easy on the lower ranks..).....{shy away from head contact while they are colored belts}.....

I agree with CloudDragon from pg 1---contracts seem to be the way with MA's now-it is a business just like any other but just trust yourself & if you don't feel comfortable with a contract--talk with the Instructor. I had a contract that went through an out of town bank for the 1st 2 years but now, I pay directly to the Dojang.

Asynk- don't get discouraged....I am 44 about to turn 45 in Nov. & started when I was 42. one of our best black belts (now 3rd degree) also started when he was 42. Same thing I tell my kids if you want to be good at something just practice-practice-practice! I just placed 1st in sparring 2 weekends ago in Jonesboro,Ark at Joey Perry's Ark Classic in my age group. That was my 1st ever 1st place & I should have competed in forms(but didn't)also & I would have at least had 2nd place...The thing is-I compete for the joy of it....sounds like * but if I lose, I try to learn from it. I am not trying to do 540's or anything extreme but -just to do my best & when sparring class rolls around, all I can say is... you young guys better watch out for the Geezer.....

CTF (choong sil from Tenn.)here but I am pretty sure we are going out on our on before the end of the year. Our chief instructor has been with ITF, ATA,& USTF over the years & is just tired of all the politics & crap that goes with the leading Fed's...I guess we'll see how things turn out......

I manage to squeeze in 1 hr. TKD classes on Tue,Wed & Thur nights between work & family.Also sparring class & weeping jujutsu 1 hr Wed night & Sat morning. Stretching at home 4-5 nights & also dust off my forms & work them....funny how easy you can forget a few steps in the lower forms if you don't practice~~

I have only worked with small circle but really like the locks & throws.We work them in with our TKD for self defense. We are also having a Aikido seminar in July & I can't wait....more chances for me to get tossed around..

Here's the deal-I have recently been diagnosed with spondylosis, degin. disc dis. & other lower back problems & have been out of TKD class & off work all week...anyone know of a DVD/VHS or book thats not too advanced that a simple primate could understand?....~~~We have no "live" classes available here in my podunk little town & I can't stand to just lay around on a heating pad all day eating Ibuprofen!-(My PT said the stretching & low impact may help-)..Anyone...