sk0t

I am partial to the basic side kick...

yeah I could use some...

Grappling is great. I like it just as good as my TKD.

I am partial to a hanging heavy bag...braced properly to the ceiling, they are imho the best.

Oh man, the Adi-champ uni is the best I have ever worn. And I have work about all the different brands there are...

I disagree...having a timeframe is beneficial...it give someone a timeframe... You cant have goals without knowing when you can achieve it.

LOL, those obviously wouldnt be secrets tho...

Not in the korean forums...

If you are really adamant about staying where you are staying...I would talk to the instructor...let him know the situation...it might just be more convenient to train at home and get to the studio when you can... Let him know that you dont think you can afford to train there, but you arent interested in going to any other schools. Maybe he can document what you need to know and you could learn it on your own, and then when you get a chance to go to the studio he can evaluate what you have learned. Switching schools is a hard thing... And if you dont mind switching, that is cool too, but most of us like to stay where we are at...

Congrats, and good luck. What exact style are you testing for black in?

I also have trained extensively in Combat Hapkido (ICHF). So if you have any questions, PM ME as well...

@orion: What do you get for $200 a month?

I am sure this has been attempted before...and I am not a fan of 'bumping' threads to bring about discussion. How many of you know about Combat Hapkido (Chon-Tu Kwan Hapkido)? It is relatively new (in comparison with other modern styles)...it is dedicated soley to self-defense. It has been around since about 1990, and in 1999 it was recognized as a legitimate 'Kwan' of Hapkido by WKF/KKA (Kido-Hae) which is the World Kido Federation created by GM In Sun Seo. This is not a shameless plug to promote Combat Hapkido, but more of a request to know if anyone practices it? and if you don't, maybe you could just take a look at it to broaden your horizons, even if it doesnt sound like something you would want to do. International Combat Hapkido Federation - ICHF I have been involved with Combat Hapkido for a few years now, and it is beneficial and effective. It is solely based on self-defense; meaning: Wrists Grabs, Locks, Joint Manipulations, Chokes, Finishing Moves There is no flash to this art, and it is very scientific. If you are looking for an internal art which will fill your spiritual and philosophical needs, then look elsewhere. But if you are interested in something effective, and potentially life saving, just take a look. It cant hurt. Anyways, if you could just post what you think of it, I am curious to see the following this has on a board this size. [EDIT] Also for anyone in the Erie, PA area who is interested in Combat Hapkido, please contact me via AIM @ sk0tcom or via email @ webmaster@sk0t.com

Well, you are exactly correct....you can use it, but it is for self-defense...it is a defensive art (not that you cant make it offensive, but that isnt the point).

This is another misconception about schools that I kinda get from your last post... Dont be concerned about peope with big guts...some people can not control that...and they are entitled every right to train in the martial arts. You arent challenged because you have only been in it for 3 weeks. WAIT. You will get challenged...things only get harder. It doesnt matter what school you go to, you will see people who dont deserve to test (according to your standards)... If you question the integrity of the school, maybe you should talk to the instructor. If he is a good one, he will be more than happy to extend to you the respect you deserve in paying for a service. I know when students come to me, it doesnt matter what their concern is, I listen, most of the time it isnt something that cant be taken care of. You just need to understand that everyone does the MA for a reason... You did it to get in shape and get ripped and get good and earn your belts...that is great, I wish all my students were like that, but make sure that you follow through with your journey, and help everyone else follow theirs.

Combat Hapkido is for SELF-DFENSE ONLY. It isnt meant to brawl with thugs in a biker bar in the corner of the ghetto.

You are never too old.

@coralreefer_1: You hit the nail on the head buddy. The reason TKD is bashed is because of the bad schools. Now I can go into the SHPEEL that my school is not a belt factory and blah blah blah, but I wont. I only speak for myself. I dont claim to be the best sparrer or the best at forms or the best at hoshinsul or anything like that.... I do know that I have trained hard, and I have been training hard since I started. Whether that means someday I will need to use it to my advantage in a situation that needs it (who knows)...but I have worked my butt off... NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT FROM ME. I do however believe that TKD needs partnered with something else for maximum efficiency. there is no perfect martial art...and everyone here can attest to the fact that TKD lacks groundwork (in most traditional and sport settings)...I think Judo or Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent choice as a partner art. Just my 2 cents...

@orion: If you are serious about your TKD training, there is no other TMA (traditional martial art) that will get you in the shape you want to be in. Depending on your instructor (whether he likes punching or not), and you train with your kicks and your punches, you will get lean and tone. TKD is very good for getting people in shape...the only thing you should concern yourself with now, being in it for so short of a time, is focusing on the technique of all your kicks...making sure you chamber properly and such. You dont want to develop bad habits and have to relearn stuff, it takes more time to relearn than to learn it right first. Dont concern yourself with Black Belt or anything like that. Also, take it home with you, but in moderation. You are just starting out, so the fire is burning, but dont burn yourself out...there are only so many nights when you can go home and do 100 round kicks and 100 side kicks...know when it is time to take some time off (from home training)...if you go 2 times a week, do another day at home by yourself reviewing, and when you get higher and higher it will pay off. Dont GET your next belt...EARN IT

ZionTKD, I disagree with you almost whole-heartedly. If you were a BlackBelt in football terms you would be in the NFL, nothing special in the NFL, but you would be playing. And as you go on and on in your ranks...you would see a Terrell Owens, or a McNabb...as the higher ranking Black Belts... Black Belt is like a good rookie in the NFL. In the MA world, I dont feel BB is a beginner. Maybe a beginner in the BB world, but most schools have more colored belts than BB, so how can they be considered beginners?

I have never wore a better uniform than my Adidas Adida-Champ... It is very lightweight and durable. I love it. I dont think I would ever switch.

You know, the fact that you are asking is a bright point in your training. -There are times when I was 15 that I thought I was awkward because there was only 3 other teenagers who were in my class, I am 23 now and I am much more comfortable. How old are the other people in your class, are you a big kid (size wize) or are you a small kid. It is awkward, dont worry about it. There is nothing to be embarrased about or anything. You are 15 and depending on what you consider advanced or novice, you might be able to switch classes.

I use the Adidas Adida-Champ or however it is spelled. It is the best uniform I have ever wore...

WE ARE WAITING....

You know...when it comes to children in the martial arts...it is best to give them something that will keep their attention. TKD is very attention grabbing, with its flashy kicks, and lightning speed. It is great. Now alot of instructors integrate very effective self-defense into their programs, and others dont... Like previously suggested, I recommend taking your kid to the class...let him sit around, and if allowed, let him take a free private lesson (at every school you go to)...and then after you try them all out, go back to the one that you liked the best...