Jiffy

Could be a combination of both. Give them a really good wash and see if that fixes the problem. If not, might be worth seeing your doctor for an allergy test.

I would stick with the protein shakes for sure. Protein is needed for muscle rebuild. The average western diet actually contains enough protein for the average sport person (not elite athelite though), but the advantage of protein shakes, your body doesn't take on more protein than it needs. So it won't damage you if you don't need it, it just means you will be flushing a little bit of money down the toilet..... literally.

You will burn more fat if you have an empty stomach, but like anything, there is a balance. Don't over do it. What I do is wake up, go for a run then have breakfast. That way, I don't feel bloated (losing a bit more fat is a bonus) and then I'm replacing the nutrients I need straight away.

Too old??? Nah sorry, don't know that term.... Seriously, just do it. Don't let age hold you back! Sure you may not pick it up as quickly as the younger ones, or be able to move as quickly, but it doesn't mean you can't do it!!

No question, Bassai Dai, then Jion. Kata competitions are won largely by appearance, that of confidence and nice crisp simple movements. Bassai Dai displays this particularly well.

I think of it this way... Which is more important, breathing in or breathing out? The answer is of course, neither is more important. They are inter-dependant. Without one, the other cannot exist. I think the same applies to Kata and Bunkai. Without one, the other is pointless.

HAHAHA good point. BJJ's not the quickest art for promotions (not that it matters). Good work! Nice to see you're keeping the ego in check and working on your technique. Keeping your cool always gives you the upper hand! Keep it up!

Wouldn't it be better to get a chinese figure, considering Kempo is a chinese art?

I'd have to agree here. I think it's best to get a good understanding of one art first, then go in for two. Sometimes, you can try and absorb too much and end up absorbing nothing.

Hey There, Thanks for the reply, some good ideas. I might just re-clarify though. I'm currently co-running a dojo which is quite successful. It has been running for 9 years. Unfortunately, it does not make enough money to supply a sole income. There are however, those that only teach martial arts, without a second source of income. I want to know how they did it, because like you, I can't seem to figure out how to do it without a second source of income.

Hi All, I'm sure that the goal of many instructors, including myself is to teach full time. That is, teach for a daily income. I would like to hear from those of you who do teach full time, I would like to know more about it. 1) How did you get there? What tips do you have to those wishing to follow in your footsteps? 2) What are the down sides that perhaps we might not think of? eg. the hours etc. 3) What is the best thing about what you do?

the answer is simple - NOTHING There is no difference, it's just a different way of spelling the same thing. I've seen some chinese systems call it Kenpo and others call it Kempo. Bit like the US "Color" and the English "Colour" or "Organize" and "Organise". The list goes on and on.

Consider the last time you practised your handwritting or practised the basics of driving. For most of us, we haven't done it in years. That doesn't mean we can't write or drive. The problem comes when you consider, what are they after, practicality or a full understanding and ability to demonstrate the entire art? If they are after the ability to use the art, well we all know that no-one uses the entire art in reality, but on the other hand, if they are trying to gain a full understanding of the art, then they need to continue a practise of the full art, and usually, the only way to do this is with basics. It all depends on the goal.

IMHO, Art and Science are intertwined ALWAYS. For instance, music came from the science of understanding sound. Painting comes from understanding colours, shapes etc. (Obviously as time goes on, understanding increases) Art to me is simply "the application of science to an individual taste". Therefore, Martial Art is the application of War Science, particularly anatomy and biomechanics to the individual taste of the practitioner.

This one has come up before. Do a search, there is a myriad of opinions on this one. My personal opinion. Black belt symbolises a whole list of things. Dedication Effort Skill Knowledge Time Good Attitude etc etc etc No one aspect should be enough for black. (eg. Time). They need to at least have a certain level of the rest.

First of all, great post. Opposite views, but in a constructive manner. I train in these because I enjoy it. I'm abosoloutly fascinated by the martial arts, so by training in many, it really gives me something in life I enjoy. I have also trained in Kali/Escrima and some of the systems I have done include the use of various weapons including Kubotan, Walking Stick, Knife etc etc. This does not mean that i carry these weapons around on the street. What it means (other than learning just for interest), is that if I happen to get into a situation where I have something I can improvise with and use in the manner of those weapons, then I can do that. I do not carry anything that is intended as a weapon. For example, I know how to use a kali stick, but I won't carry one. I may however find a stick on the ground nearby in an awkward situation.... and if I don't, so be it. As I was saying, if you are in a high risk of attack (eg. a bus driver), I can understand the feeling of being better off with a weapon. From a legal standpoint however, an object improvised as a weapon is better than carrying an object designed as a weapon. Also as far as combat is concerned, understand that while there are some very real advantages to using a weapon, it can be taken off you and used against you.... your hands and feet can't.

I only just caught onto this thread. Here in South Australia, carrying anything more than a walking stick or small torch makes you a CRIMINAL. I don't believe in carrying intended weapons (I do believe in using items around you as a weapon in the event of an attack). I believe this is the easiest way to get yourself into trouble. Quite often, we convince ourselves that someone is out there to get us, by being over prepared for it. For instance, there have been countless people in this thread saying "If someone were to attack me, I could do this or that...". What then happens is that the person is always on the lookout for someone and often see people as a threat when in fact there was no threat at all. To me, there are only two reasons someone would carry weapons. They are either at an abnormally high risk of attack or they are not confident within themselves. If you are in neither of these categories, my advice would be to leave the weapons at home and learn to use your hands and feet better.... or better still, learn the arts of communication and humilty.

Thanks guys, some really great ideas there!

The idea of training with live blade is that you will treat it slightly differently to that of a training weapon. Having said that, you need to toss up if the added benefit is worth the risk. For most.... it's not.

General Rules for sports injuries. Immidately R - rest I - ice C - compression E - elevation R - referral (see doc if not getting better) In the first 72 hours, avoid doing HARM H - heat A - alcohol R - running (excersize) M - massage

Running is great for overall fitness, but competition is definately anaerobic!!! Do fartlek excersizes. Sprint, Jog, Sprint, Jog

Leg extensions and Leg Curls are great if you have a machine. Squats are good as are calf raises. Yes, my life interupts my MA every day!

Sensei Rick is correct. The first two nuckles is done for two main reasons. A) it gives a smaller contact point and therefore, greater impact B) it aligns the bones to create a stronger punch and more importantly, to prevent injury to yourself. Learn to get it right before punching anything with force.

While i don't currently do this, it's a great method of excersizing.

Both are great excersizes. Why not do both? Alternate between them. The only downside is it is a high impact excersize (heavy on the knee joints etc), but they are both the same. So yeah, mix it up, do both.