Pacificshore

I read in another forum where the poster spoke about training "not to get hit". Rather than knowing that you will get hit at sometime, his suggestion is why not train to avoid the hit. Kinda made sense to a point, but you can never ignore the "sucker" type punches from outta nowhere. Conditioning of the body obviously helps in taking a shot, as does blocking properly, and even learning how to absorb a shot to certain areas of the body. Also, in my opinion mental toughness plays a big part on whether or not you are able to take a shot, or give in. Granted if you continue to take blow after blow, eventually you'll wear down and give in, after all we are human, subject to human conditions. However, it's the initial shot that we want to address first and foremost. Cheeky, you've described what I would see as an "emptying" of your cup. With the help of your father, you were able to address some deficiencies, for lack of a better word, in your training. This will only help you progress further in your training . Fenris, you'd use all of your talents and training to avoid getting hit at all times. It's one thing to fight or defend against a stranger, it's another if it's your dad, unless he's just one big @$#^%$^&, then you already know what to expect, and what to do .

Howdy

Welcome

Howdy Melinda

Howdy

Howdy

Cheeky, I'd say the combination is yin and yang for sure . With a year in Shotokan, you have a good understand of the basics. With Tai chi, you will have to work at having your movements become softer, more fluid/flowing like . Plus with Tai chi, you will learn how to breathe(sp) through your movements which will keep you centered, and this should help you in Shotokan. Just my thoughts. PS

If you look at the FMA(Filipino Martial Arts), and compare it to any of the many martial arts out there, it does things in the reverse. What I mean by this is that you start with a weapon first, meaning the eskrima stick. You learn the striking angles, then the defense and counters, progress to knife, stick and knife, and so forth. Finally you take all that you learned with the weapons, and apply it to your empty hand defense. In other MA, you usually start out with empty hands and progress to weapons. At least this is my opinion on the topic.

Hey there hello and welcome to the forums. Anyway, have you tried looking into a YMCA, or community rec center? Another place to look into would be a non-denominational church to see what is offered if any. A good friend of mine who is an instructor taught out of one of these church set ups. Lots of times the martial arts classes aren't advertised, rather it's done by word of mouth. Another idea is maybe ask around at your local police station to see if they have someone that they know of that teaches on the side. Can't hurt Good luck on your search

MG: Was there a particular reason why you left your dojo? Do you plan on training in some other style?

2nd Dan now, working on 3rd Dan

I think skipping lower ranks is okay for someone who has had previous training and holds a dan rank in their system, and understands the basis well. For those who hold perhaps a higher kyu rank, then I say moving them along quicker if they can show that they have the basics down, and that they meet the criteria for the new system.

Welcome

American Kenpo, also known as Parker Kenpo is a system based first on self defense. They have alot of self defense techniques for just about every type of situation. You get plenty of hand work which increases your hand speed, and all their kicks are kept below the waist. They do have katas that are developed from many of their self defense moves, if I'm not mistaken. It is mainly a stand up striking art, and you will not find any ground type moves unless it was added in by the instructor. The system is also based on principles of motion, reactions, and so forth. You can litrally find all kinds of info on the web when it comes to American kenpo. If you've watched a class, try one, and also talk to the students and instructor when you get a chance. Good luck!

I know just from seeing ads for chinese made weapons that there are usually 2 catagories of metal they use. One is called combat steel, and the other a spring steel. The spring steel often has a flex to it, meaning that the blade is allowed to bend to a certain degree, while the combat steel is more sturdy. As for the bo's, the waxwood or rattan bo's usually have flex to it which probably allows for more power upon impact, especially on whipping type strikes. Hope this helps

Hello

Howdy

Whazzup

Whazzup

Howdy!

Another method of measuring a bo is to hold one arm up over your head, bend your hand at the wrist, and that should be the proper size of your bo. I personally would go with a lighter bo to start. It'll allow you to work your strikes, twirls, whips, spins at the same time cause you to work on controlling the speed of your bo. Since you will have the potential to have many different type bo's, just increase the weight gradually as you see fit.

Whazzup

Sandan criteria, consist of more self defense/fighting techniques, and a weapon form

Sai, I think you are thinking of the Meijin gi that Dragon times distributes. Also another place to look at is https://www.juka.com . They make a woman's cut gi called the Diamond. Check it out, it may be what you are looking for, rather than having to buy any other brand, and have many alterations done.

Chh, Sorry, but I say iron, iron, iron...... . I've made it habit to iron my gi's after every wash, somthing about the crisp look to a gi. As for the Satori, it wrinkles, but I think it's actually one of the easier gi's to iron out .