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hands are without a doubt, the quickest and most effective fighting techniques. i do use kicks but they never go above the waist as it is severly unbalance yourself, and leave your self exposed. think about it. if you were in a handstand, would you try to punch your opponant? of course not.

italian_guy you have to remember that tai chi is different to other martial arts. it is recomended for all sorts of health problems like arthitus as the slow graceful movements can help to strengthen the joints (like the knees) ninjanurse, i hope your recovery is going ok, and remeber that it is completly different to karate and TKD, make the most of the experiance....

remember to keep stretching, the key to kicking well is flexibility, in your hips, knees and lower back better flexibilty equals a smoother motion, equals better/harder/faster kicks.

remember we are all nervous beginers once. the other beginer belts will be just as nervous as you, although they may not show it. and the more experianced karateka will understand. i am also quite shy and i understand exactly how you feel, like master jules said, focus on your kata, ignore everyone else. once you start all you should be doing is step...punch....turn.. step...block...kick... (repeat to finish)

i dont understand the point you are trying to make. you are saying that because you are a Black belt in ine style, that you should be automatically black belt in another? i disagree, i would always start from the begining white belt. becuase it is only at the begining do you learn the basics and without the basics how can you hope to do the advanced stuff......

the bokken is used in japanese martial arts as a practice samurai sword. and i agree with Master Jules, the bokken is a weapon in its own right, as you can do different techniques with it because you can hold the 'blade'

everyones waffling on about TKD and i feel a little left out.... in karate my fave is pinan godan, i like the way it flows.... in kung fu i like Kay Boon Sau Far and Jorn Sau. these are the first and second forms i ever learnt and i still enjoy them (and i am still learning from them even though i am now brown belt

got into MA because it looked fun to do....and i was hooked. to the point where i cant imagine my self NOT doing some form of Martial Arts

when structuring training you need to remember to rest, as well as working hard as it is during the rest days that your body recovers and gets stronger/fitter. as far as your training goes it depends on what is comfortable for you. if i was doing this i would have 4 sessions a week: day 1 slow jog - 30 mins day 2 sprint session - 15-20mins day 3 rest day 4 slow jog - 30 mins day 5 sprint session - 15-20mins day 6 rest day 7 rest a quick tip: you should never let your training stagnate. once you sgtart getting used to it, make it longer, ie a 40min run and 25min sprint. and beyond a 2nd quick tip, during the sprint sessions if you are feeling tired and start slowing down, dig your heels in, keep it going and finish it. the mental toughness you develop on the hard sessions will prepare you for competitions, when you get lethargic, grit your teeth and keep going

this is the important bit, do your legs hurt, or do your knees hurt? if it is a joint problem stop immediately and ask your instructor for help

Lau Gar Kung Fu

superb article, very emotional and keeps all of my worries (i have a horrendous cold and my knee hurts) in perspective. thank you for sharing it.....

hi, howdy, good morning, guten tag, bonjour, pleased to meet you. (etc.....) hi, i usually post on cyberkwoon, but have been directed to here so many times recently that i have decieded to join..... um... a bit about myself....er....well i like Martial Arts... i have been doing Lau Gar for over 2 years (brown sash) and Karate for nearly a year (green belt) and in september when i go to Uni i will be taking a look at Kuk sool Won. i will be taking sport science, i also enjoy most sports, including cycling and running, although that doesnt mean i am any good... lol i look forward to joining the discussions..... (oooh, a quick question, what are boundaries for the user ranks ie yellow belt and orange belt etc...?)

it was a good coincidence that i found this article. i am going to uni next year and recently found out that kuk sool won is taught there. wether i stay there to the learn the style, is not for certain but i will definately have a look very helpful article