Jiffy

Couldn't agree more, what are you waiting for? Go to the doc!

My understanding (info from a friend, so semi-reliable) is that the clicking is the sound of dioxide bubbles of air in the joints popping. In any case, I wouldn't worry about it until it starts hurting (like my back is at the moment)

You sound like a really keen student. I would recommend Chinese Kenpo or Kung Fu. Both work on a close quater stand-up basis fighting. Both have fast sequences of multiple attacks and both could help you with fitness. I personally would say go for Kenpo, but that's only because I haven't tried Kung Fu and am biased. In all seriousness though, both are very effective.

If you're up for competitions, BJJ, Boxing, TKD

Abosloutly correct!!! My thoughts exactly!

For our school, there is a minimum time to black. This is generally no where near the time it actually takes, so is never a hinderance. Not really sure where it came from, just one of those traditions we have kept. For memory, the minimum time is 2 years. But the fastest we have ever graded someone to black is about 5.5... and he was very fast!! I don't see a problem with having a minimum time. While often, people can show the physical prowess quite early, rarely do they have the understanding.

Hi Guys, In one of the styles we teach, we don't use a Gi. The uniform is just a polo shirt with a badge, track pants and shoes. This was done to get as close to street wear as possible. see photo http://users.esc.net.au/~aacd/images/photos/ichf_grading.jpg Anyway, when we started the system, we didn't want to have belts due to the nature of the dress, but now we are getting to the point where we want to be able to identify peoples grades easily. The only two options we have really come up with is some sort of colour marking on the colar, or some sort of silk sash. Does anyone else have a similar scenario or can think of another option?

I agree with a couple of previous remarks, stop trying to match the physical atributes of those younger than you, it is hard to do and will only get harder. Instead, use your obvious advantage.... wisdom and deceipt. Let them believe you are an "old man", then use wisdom to close the gap when they're not expecting it. My father (our chief instructor) found this same problem when he was about your age. After a while, as he learned more, he learned how to use what he had, not try and increase what he had. When it came to his second Dan grading (he was about 48), he had to spar with one of our young students, who at the time was world champion at one of his categories. By playing his own game, Dad was able to over-come Cameron, who was much faster, much more flexible and stronger too. Dad is now 59 and still handles all our students with a certain amount of ease. Play your game, not theirs.

Ask her for a bit of time on the mat, problem solved. But seriously, all arts have their merrit, if she believes it's not effective, ask her to try it for herself.

Have you asked them why they don't like you doing both? Quite often this is just due to insecurity. My logic, train with who you want, teach what you want. Don't let anyone dictate to you what you can and can't do. If they refuse to teach you, go to someone who has a more open mind, and less ego.

My thoughts.... find another insurance company. Our insurance company understands the nature of MA and therefore we practise how we want. Anyway, onto the topic. Heaps of styles train without padding, i think it is more dependant on the individual schools that the style. For instance, in most arts I have trained in, I know some that train with padding, and some that don't.

This issue has been discussed on here before, but i have to say that i agree fully. In Shotokan, this is addressed by the grade of "Shodan-Ho" (junior black). Only someone 16 or older can get "Shodan" (1st Dan) or higher. Having said that, we have never had to award one because we haven't had a junior stick it long enough to reach that level (fastest we have graded someone to black is about 5.5 years)

To me, it's a way of life. To continue is to continue life. To be a respected instructor would be a nice bonus.

I have to ask the question..... why? It's obvious you are not going to be fighting 50 people one after the other in a street situation, so what is it this is testing? Is it just physical fitness they are looking for, or is there more to it?

generally, I'm a "wait and explode" type fighter. By that I mean very little movement other than just avoiding attacks. I stay fairly static but just moving my arms to keep them occupied, then when I see an opportunity, explode with what I call a "Blitz". A heavy attack with a number of techniques.

Are you sure? I know Elvis got a black in American Kenpo and Dan Inosanto also trained in it, but I wasn't aware this was also the case for Chito Ryu.

Yeah it just doesn't seem right to me.

My goal is to teach for a living (not just on a part time basis)

CONGRATULATIONS!! Glad to see you are happy with your grade. Regardless of what anyone thinks, that is the most important thing!! Well done!

I used to work as a crowd controller and came across many big guys. Take my word for it, skill and experience always prevails.

Speed is a big factor in beating reach. The key to this is waiting as long as you can before defending. Also, don't forget, one of the best defences is offence. If you have the speed, beat them to it. If you don't have the speed, you'll really need to develop good blocks. Unfortunately, reach is a definate advantage (I'm also not very tall... 5'9"). Generally people with reach are tall so learn to be quick and learn to keep low. Also, practice Ashi Berai (foot sweep), it's an invaluable technique for sparring with taller people. Let me know how you go.

In our school, we teach both ways. Using the ball of the foot will do more damage as it is using a more solid bone and there is a small contact point. The other advantage of the ball of the foot is the foot is flexed toward the body and can sometimes kick around blocks that are close in. Using the flat of the foot will not give the same sort of impact as the ball of the foot, but does have it's own advantages. First of all, accuracy, because it's a larger surface area that travels against the flow of the technique, there is a much lower chance of missing. Pointing the foot to kick with the instep also has the advantage of extended reach. Another thing is it makes for a better kick when wanting to use the shin. And of course there is also the safety factor when training with a partner.

YES!!

Is it the bone or the muscles around the bone you wish to strengthen? If it's the bone, there's not a whole lot you can do. How exactly is it annoying you?

The head hits is a good example. 9 years ago i was in a fight and got punched in the face (my block wasn't fast enough). It sent my teeth through my lip, covered me in blood and knocked me out for a few seconds. And that was just one punch. You imagine the damage from doing this every training session.