tkdan

I actually prefer the chucks I make over what they sell. I can custom make them the length and weight I like. I also have the benefit of working in a shop that has the tools I need to make quality chucks. When I was a kid my dad would always get mad because many of his shovels would be missing part of the handles.

Yes physical limitations play a role. I believe sometimes we have mental limitations as well. I say this because there were times during sparring that I kicked much higher than I thought possible. The difference between sparring and kicking drills is my thinking. During kicking drills I'm asking myself (in my head) can I kick this high. During sparring I'm telling myself (in my head) I need to kick this high.

Wll put ered 101. Intention is everything. Do I want to become more focused so my skill grows to the point that I could destroy anyone in my path? Do I want to become more focused so that my skill grows to the point that I could be an inspiration to someone like some kid who never had a father and needs someone to look up to? It does come down to a persons heart. Do you have a compasionate heart like that of Christ? Do you have a proud heart like that of the devil? Intention is everything!

For me meditation is a way of dealing with stress. It is a way of trying to keep my focus. How important it is can only be defined by the personal benefits you may get from it. For me personally I feel it has become important in life and sense martial arts are a part of my life it is an important part of my martial arts.

That is interesting. I've read some of Bruce Lee's writings but I don't remember coming across this. I wiil have to give it a try.

I was referring to visualization along with actually doing the training. I too have found it helpful more with forms or upcoming belt test. I have tried it with fighting but the unpredicable nature of some opponents makes it difficult to visualize every aspect of a fight.

How many believe using visualization is helpful in martial arts? I'm not talking about daydreaming about it but visualizing yourself going through the steps of a form or any aspect of your martial arts training.

Everyone's covered your questions well. Never let age be a hindrance I was forty-one when I started almost two years ago. I thought I was doing something impressive until we had a sixty-three year old sign up and begin lessons recently. If you're concerned about being shy and competing you may find that as you advance and as your confidence builds you might want to try it. Take some free lessons find a school that fits you personally you will be glad that you did it.

On 9/22/06 it will be in Austin tx. I plan to attend. I will post about it after I go. Tickets are not cheap.

Thanks

This may seem like a silly question. What is the proper length for a jump rope cord?

I'm looking for some good bo staff and nunchuka dvds. I'm not really looking for basic instruction. I want a variety of simple and complex forms for each weapon. I would like to avoid buying several dvds for each weapon (they don't give them away). More than that I don't want to buy any that are not worth the plastic they're burned on. Any help would be appreciated.

Time off helps me. I find the longer I'm away the stronger the urge becomes.

My latest black belt mag had a good artical about it. I think it will be good for martial arts. I think it is a matter of it getting enough TV time in order to get people interested. I'm sure there are people like me who are not interested in seeing every fight go to the ground. If you are a boxing fan you would not want to see matches end up grappling either. This is my opinion but I like stand-up fighting.

I'm curious also but more as a different way to meditate. Relaxation and self control are things I feel I need more of as I go through life. As far as how much Tai Chi has to do with fighting I'm not sure. It seems like in the beginning of Tai Chi is geared more towards understanding Tai Chi. I don't know about the more advanced applications. Of coarse I have only began to look into it I'm sure there are others here better qualified to to answer your questions.

I'm in TKD and we use the 180 method. If I'm going through kicks in class or working on a bag I'll pivot 180. However if I'm fighting/sparring I will pivot halfway between 90 and 180 which is 135. I feel like I get the power of my hips in to the kick without sacrificing speed.

Speaking of ribs. Two days before my first ever tournament we had a competitor come down early for the tournament. He came to a class and gave us underbelts some sparring lessons. I made the mistake of running straight into a sidekick. It was more painful than any kick I've ever received. Two days latter I'm at the tournament having to fight someone 6 to 8 inches taller and 50 to 70 lbs heavier. He landed a hard sidekick in the exact spot as the other guy had kicked me. At this point he had me down three poins to none with fifty-eight seconds remaining. I ignored the pain and went on the attack. I scored four unanswered points to win first place. I think I have some broke ribs but I have not had x-rays to see.

It really depends on the school or instructor. We have a fairly well rounded school with a TKD base. Where the flash ends and the reality begins is in our self defense. We work on takedowns, locks, and finishing blows. The one area I see we should work on but don't is in getting out of holds. Other than that I'm satisfied with my school.

I would not want a BB if I did not deserve it. Although it is considered the beginning it is still an achievement many never make. I have a great respect for all that truely earn their BB. I don't think it should be about time but about the person being ready however long it takes.

I first started doing forms because it was a requirement (was not crazy about doing them). Now I actually enjoy them. I continue to look for ways to improve on each form I've learned.

I have to agree it really depends on the instructors. I like taekwondo because I like kicks. However I like my school because we incorporate take-downs with arm-locks and finishing blows in our self defense techniques. It is a matter of finding the right school for you.

I used to read book watch martial arts ACTors. I even had two good friends that were taking karate that I trained with. It was not until I actually stepped into a dojo that I began to learn martial arts.

I'm about equal whether to the front or the side. On a good day I get about six inches from the floor.

stone & true the two of you could not have picked a better form of physical fitness in my opinion. And as true stated there are many other benefits other than fitness. Dragon that's an awsome goal. How old are you? Foof good luck. Fright that must be great to be that close to a dream. I too have always loved matial arts. I have finaly got to a place in life where schedule and finances are such that I can go for it myself.

At age 41 I started TKD tranning. I'm 42 now. My goal is to earn a black belt by the age of 45. Just wondering if anyone else is working towards a similar type of goal, or has been successful in completing their goal.