IcemanSK

Bushido_man probably has the best idea here with Century. Green is a custom color.

I would say Ebay, also. I think there may be some European uniform suppliers. You might look there as well.

Valley MA Supply on Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood is good place. They sell good stuff & lots of MA celebs are in there all the time.

Good suggestion.

I'm with you DWX. When I was a student (as oppossed to now as a school owner) I had a ton of stuff in my bag. Most of what I had was due to something that I needed once, but was always afraid I'd need. Usually I had 2 uniforms (just in case I ripped or needed a heavier uniform for a Hapkido or grappling-type class), I always had a spare belt, full sparring gear, 3 rubber knives, athletic tape, MA shoes, & misc. things like that "just in case." Yup, I've always had the biggest, heaviest bag in the locker room.

I think that if they would take the time to set up their punches, then they could put enough power into them to get trembling shock. I have seen some PRO-TKD fights, and seen one guy carted off on a stretcher after taking a solid punch to the ribs. However, they did not fight with chest protectors, either. Yep, without chest protectors it's a different story. As others have said, when you train to sit down on your punches, you can throw them hard. But in the Olympic style, you're up on your toes & bouncing so much to avoid kicks & then get your's in, it's not feasible to try to land a solid punch.

I'd suggest EosinPanther.com They rival Shuredo & Toakido (sp?) & are a bit less expensive. And, if it matters, they are made in the USA. I don't work them, but I've bought 2 of their belts & am very pleased with them. I used them on recommendations from folks on this site. It's worth looking into.

Traditional Taekwondo does keep their hands up. As many have pointed out here: Olympic style TKD really has no need to do that because they don't punch often anymore. The reason is, one has to score a "trembling blow" to displace the opponent. That is hard to do with a punch when you're up on your feet so high because you're bouncing & focused on throwing kicks. They are trying to change that a bit, however. Fighters are wearing a glove (a bit like MMA gloves, with less padding). There is talk about making punches more of a priority again. It's because evident to the "powers that be" in Korea that it needs to change. While TKD has always been a kicking art, it was not ever intended that we would not use our hands. Not a single Kwan would say that the direction it has gone is positive for the art.

Halls of Fame in MA are plentiful. Most mean very little. As far as PhD's go: more than likely they hold them in something other than MA. I have two friends that are MD's & MA masters. What does it mean? It means they have worked hard in 2 fields of study. That's all. That school & instructor might be great. It might not. I'd encourage you to look at all schools in the area & ask a lot of questions. If something doesn't appeal to you or sound right, move on.

That's fantastic!!!

Ha ha, yeah, I'm much more worried about looking bad during forms, too. At my test, there was a guy who did a new thing wrong each time he did a certain form. He caught a lot of grief for it, too. My GM feels that it's better that his students don't see him get dressed down for it. Personally, I'm grateful, too

In the organization I belong to, BB tests are usually open. The exception is for senor instructors (school owners) & masters. Those are closed to the public. The reasoning is the expectation on them is higher than it is for students. If a senior instructor struggles under the stress (& there is more stress for senior instructor tests) they do so in the company of other senior instructors. I wasn't sure it was a good idea until I went through it myself. It was appropriatly challenging (without being overly harsh) & a worthwile experience.

First, welcome to the boards. A bit on my background just so you know where I'm coming from. I've been training in Taekwondo for 25 years. I've trained with several different schools & been exposed to many more. In my experience, "typical" is a hard word to come by when talking about testing. If you'll excuse the analogy, it's a bit like saying, "what's a typical worship service like in a Christian Church?" My point is, they can vary a great deal depending on the instructor & organization. I've tested for BB ranks in front of one person, 2 people & 13 people at once. Not seeing the scores is not uncommon. I've tried to receive constructive input both before & after tests. I've gotten it from some, but not others. Try as we might, school owners/instructors try to get all judges on the same page for testing. "We're all looking for power, focus, energy (for example)" But often each judge has something they focus on more than something else. As far as why your daughter didn't pass, I suggest that she ask her instructor. I'd be completely guessing as to why she didn't pass. I's encourage you to have her ask the instructor how she can improve. You can certainly be there to support her as she has this talk, but she needs to ask. As for what the expectation of young teens vs adults is generally: there is generally a lower power expectation from children & younger teens. In my experience, focus & attitude compensate for lack of power. I've had students who looked bored during a test (even tho they had power) & folks that showed their complete focus & looked like they could break 50 year old trees with their bare feet (even tho they had no power). Those with focus & concentration always got higher marks from me. But again, talk to your instructor. Don't give up! I hope that helps

Let us know how you like it.

I'd highly recommend EosinPanther.com. They are expensive ($60-$80 & up) but the are the best belts I've ever seen. I have 2 of them & I've been complimented on them my many masters in my organization. I think that, if you're gonna wear a belt for a number of years, get a good one. Check it out.

I didn't vote because you didn't have what happened to me as an option. My instructor sold his school & moved out of state 6 months after I got my 1st Dan. He sold the school to a man who wanted to change everything the day he took over as new owner. Needless to say, I didn't stay there. I was devastated!! I went to another school where my friends trained. It was a second best option, situation. I wasn't going to stay with an instructor I didn't like or respect. The school I went with was VERY different (tho the same stye of MA). I think staying with an instructor that you like/respect is a good idea.

So, did you buy one, Kyo Sah Nim?

Congrats! That's really terrific!

I'd recommend a Shock Doctor or Brain Pad mouth piece. It's worth spending more than less. If you can afford a dentist made one, I'd encourage you to do so. They are worth every penny!

Ok, you like like to show 'em off. I've met few who do. You're also those gals that, when they get hit, they smile as if to say, "that didn't hurt." You folks scare me

You might be right about that. Even the gals I know that LOVE contact don't brag about their bruises like us guys do.

Congrats Lori! I'm glad you're gonna do whatcha love. But, I'm gettin' whiplash with all of your MA changes!

Thanks, I'll have to check them out. It's interesting to see what was common knowledge or accepted practice in the late 70's & early 80's. Somethings are things no one would admit to doing now.

Good on you, man! I have a box of old magazines that I've collected over 25 years. It's fun to "rediscover" old articles again.

I think the reason it's taught to focus on one stance is the idea of putting your power side in the back. (If your right handed, you'll generate more power if your left foot is forward). I think a lot of boxing trainers feel that "switching" is a waste of time and energy. Given the confines of the rules of boxing, learning to switch would mean changing focus (ie. doubling your workout). Most trainers would consider that unproductive. In the era of MMA (where fighters are in many different positions) learning to fight on both sides is much more valueable.