TaeKwonDo Afficianado

Few things.... You can continue to teach her.... why not? Especially if you just teach her the basics, the most important things that probably make up 95% of the moves you would use in a "real" fight if it came to that. Just teach her simple stances, a few strikes and blocks, a kick or two, and basic personal defense. By basic personal defense I mean a few ways to get out of wristlocks, throat grabs, and shirt grabs. If you know them well go this route, especially at first, and maybe she can join something later after you investigate more. Plus, if she dislikes you going to the dojo and stuff maybe that will help you spend time with her if that is part of the problem. Also about the Judo class, are you sure it is for students only? Sometimes it seems like that at first, but in reality it may be open to other community members.... If you are not totally sure I would call up the sensei or someone and ask. All the best, Tom

I totally agree, technique comes first, but it can only go so far before you perfect it. (and hopefully you do perfect it!) Thats when working out and lifting weight comes in. One cool thing I do sometimes, is to try kata, or forms, and do every move while holding a 5 lb weight in each hand (10 or 15 if you are strong enough, or maybe even more). Granted, you can't really make a punching fist, but try it and see what happens. You can also try this while wearing ankle weights, this way you are learning your kata better, and build some muscle and endurance ability. all the best, Tom

Couldn't agree more with posts by some of the others here... To do karate you don't necessarily have to have good, or high kicks. When I was in karate I did more kicks in sparring than others did, but Karate isn't all about kicks... Learn to have a balanced system, have a few good kicks, and some good punches or other upper body attacks. I mean, good kicks are a great plus, but as long as you do your best, even a little kicking ability will go a long way. I don't think most sensei in this day and age will hold you back or anything for not being able to get your leg or foot up high enough or anything. Just keep working on them and they maye even come to you still. all the best, Tom

Thanks UseoForce, and Zaine.... that is exactly what I said. If you don't want to live, don't eat, don't drink .... and sometimes don't carry a weapon. All the best, Tom

Um.... the original post had nothing to do with building a weapon. The original post also had nothing to do with legality of the weapon because I have already studied it for where I live. I am actually not interested in building a weapon, I am interested if the Nunchaku experts on this board believe that purple heart is a good wood, if the brass ring insert is a good idea, what length of cord to get, and if cord is the best choice. Like I said, I want to purchase them. I don't want a metal set. I don't need a legal defense because I know the laws in my area. I posted the above "legal defense" due to a previous post about nunchaku automatically getting you in trouble... I understand that many people around the world get screwed over for defending themselves, but not where I live. All I keep getting in this post is stuff about legal ramifications, etc. Thanks for the concern, like I said, but if anyone actually wants to talk about that please start a new post, I'd be happy to talk about it in there. I honestly don't need a lecture about nunchaku being illegal, that using weapons in a fight will get you into trouble, etc. I am not disinterested in these topics.... but they are not for this post. Can we now focus on the original question? edit: Yes I have a sensei but his specialty is Bo staff. Also, I can't find anywhere in my posts where I said I wanted to carry nunchaku with me on the street. The reason I posted about the on street scenarios is because it was said here that "carrying nunchaku on the street is illegal". Just because it is illegal where you live doesn't mean that it is illegal everywhere else. Generalized statements like this do nothing. Once again, I ask that if you want to talk about legal aspects of this start a new post, or go to the other posts already out there about carrying nunchaku. The reason I have not posted there is because I myself am not really intersted in carrying them around, maybe someday but not anytime soon. Thanks, and all the best, Tom

In just about any martial art, stuff like formal stances and flashy moves, things like whirling blocks, may not be able to be exactly done, especially if in a fight or in rough terrain. The ability to adapt and improvise is crucial! If you can't drag it lift it.

Here is one. Isshinryu Weapon Kata: Bo and Sai by Mike Reeves. all the best, Tom

Also, I don't even know where the "on the street" thing came from. I understand that in the UK laws are vastly different from where I am located... I've heard of many cases where homeowners in the UK get sued for trying to defend themselves and their property...Which really dissapoints me greatly but conditions where I live are much more favorable to a homeowner. I'm not just interested in using the nunchaku as a "concealed weapon". I wouldn't mind having it handy in my house or wherever. And I am a fan of modern weapons, but it never hurts to have the old stuff around, either. I didn't just watch a bunch of 80's ninja movies and then decide that I need nunchaku when walking around. All the best, Tom

Maybe this does sound insane... but here goes. What if I had a choice between using a modern weapon, a gun, and nunchaku on a guy who was attacking or robbing me, and I knew that he was unarmed coming at me with his fists. If I ended the fight with nunchaku and then was interviewed by police etc... I could say that I chose to use the nunchaku because I didn't want to kill the guy, that I couldv'e pulled my gun. This would show that I didn't just suddenly go to lethal force when in a dangerous situation. I realize that the chances of this are near to improbable, but not quite improbable. I am aware of the legal ramifications and the laws in my area, and it is not necessarily illegal to carry nunchaku or firearms. Anyways, can someone please tell me more about purple heart hardwood and your thoughts on the brass ring insert on the top of nunchaku, which helps reduce cord wear? I've heard that cord is the way to go.... not completely sure. I've also chain and ball bearing CAN be good if you get a high quality chain and ball bearing. Thank and all the best, Tom

Thank you for the replies and I am aware of the laws and stuff. Just to be clear I'm not saying any of you are saying that I am like this.... but I am obviously not going around looking for fights. Anyways, It can be legal to carry nunchaku "on the streets". And yes I am aware that often police/courts, etc. will look at the guy with a weapon and possibly think he is the one that started it but I am very active in self defense in general and I am a big beliver in self preservation. If it was legal for me to carry nunchaku, even though it could be frowned on in the courts, I would risk getting in trouble and saving my own butt. I don't start trouble, I don't look for it, and I would not want a fight if someone tried to rob me...etc. But if I had to I would use whatever weapon I have and I honestly think that that the lowly Nunchaku is a fairly good weapon. I am also a "gun nut" so I know some martial arts people really frown on that. As for being sued by a robber that is one of the things that really angers me in life, but I would be willing to risk if it everything I worked for my entire life was at risk, or if I thought my life was at risk. And once more for the guy who said "you won't be hitting someone in the head".... do you mean that nunchaku aren't meant to hit people in the head or that I will never have to/have the opportunity to? I certainly hope not to have to.... but in practice 90 percent of every strike is going to be aimed at the head, and if it happens to hit the neck or shoulders instead, so be it. Why do we study to punch someone in the head or to kick them in the head.... you will probably never have to. It doesn't mean that you should not learn it. As for durability, that is one of my questions striking cobra. I want to know if the purple heart is durable, and also, the pair I'm interested in has a brass ring at the top so the cord isn't sliding around on the wood. Anyways, I will now give me point of view. I find it irritating sometimes when people say you cannot use nunchaku in a fight or whatever. Obivously, what are the chanches.... very low that you will be attacked in the first place... and very low that you will have them with you. I agree.... but it doesn't make it impossible, and there is at least one person who posts on this board who was attacked and had nunchaku with him. Could he be making it up ?? Sure, but I believe him. Anyways, the martial arts to me are not performance arts. They are martial arts that happen to be totally awesome when performed. If you want to perform the martial arts, I do not tell you that you shouldn't because you will never have to do a kata performing what seems like a random series of moves in 4 directions, and using some moves that might never make it into a real fight. In fact, I would say "good job, that was amazing" because I think it is cool when people do that. And I do understand that some martial artists do make fun of the flashy performance type performers... but I don't. But why do so many performance orientated guys and girls say that people who focus on the martial aspects of martial arts are crazy or that It is useless in these days to practice them like that? If nunchaku are not going to be used as weapons why even bother practicing the strikes at all... why not just practice the insane spins and stuff? Anyways, thanks for the concern, but I would like to focus on my original questions about the Purple heart nunchaku with brass inserts, and if you nunchaku experts think that it would be a good set. And once more just to reiterate.... I've heard some crazy ideas on this board, and I certainly do not think "finding a good nunchaku" is a crazy one. All the best, Tom

I agree with justice zero almost totally. Nonsensical zero tolerance policies... exactly. I was bullied in school sometimes, even though I'm a big buy because I didn't really want to fight. Not even real bullying all the time, sometimes just verbal assault. I honestly don't really care that much... but I refuse to accept B.S. like that day in and day out, like every single class and between every single class, so I eventually taught a lesson physically. And I did try talking to teachers, etc. One teacher did help me out one time when I was getting crap from some kid for no reason. However, later in the day of course" poor baby needs help... blah blah blah". It never worked. They are amused... they want an easy target, and telling a teacher 98.7 percent of the time will do nothing. Once in a while you have to fight fire with fire, because air is only adding fuel to the fight. Hit em hard once if you get a good chance, and hopefully that will be the end of it. Thats pretty much how it worked for me, one punch and most of it stopped. I don't want you to get in trouble though and I wish you luck. It's not an easy situation. All the best, Tom

You can't rule out whole styles in my opinion and say "oh the guys from this type of system are nothing to worry about....." It really is kind of ridiculous to speak like that.... Even within the same style, or from the same dojo from that matter, are going to be guys (and girls) who have limited moves and are not good at adapting or improvising, and guys and girls who will do whatever they can and whatever it takes... To say Tae Kwon Do guys won't give you trouble is a big mistake, just like saying the Karate or Kung fu Competitors will not give you trouble. I'm used to Karate and am only beginning to understand Tae Kwon Do, but don't expect people under the umbrella of Tae Kwon Do to just try and sit back and do weird kicks at you. I have been out of Karate for a while now but If I was "representing" Tae Kwon Do I would do everything I could to confuse you and surprise you using my old karate training... Come in close fists flying, then shin kicks which I never learnt in either Karate or Tae Kwon Do, then kicks, whatever I can do. I guess the point of my post is that I find it really rude to discount whole styles. I'm not even saying anyone really did that in this thread, just don't prejudge please, and understand that the individual represents the system, don't let the system represent an individual. All the best, Tom

Yes.... I hope to not hit someone with them, but If i had to I don't want rattan or a cheap or light material. It does matter. And like I said, there is more to the pair I want to buy than just strength for the purpose of hitting someone.. I want the wood to last long, not have the cord/chain bearings or anything break on them. I understand 99 percent of everyone chooses to train with martial arts weapons only for the purpose of fun and or demonstration, or just to say you know how to use them. I however am intersted in both those things, as well as self defense. All the best, Tom

I disagree that most people will never have to defend themselves.... I've never looked for fights but when I was younger in school I got in 2 without wanting to. But if you are smart and don't go looking for trouble its true, you will 99 percent of the time not have any troubles.... but you never know. All the best, -tom

I mean something that you would prefer to hit someone over the head with other than a rattan set, if you had to. Something that is heavy (at least heaver than most practice nunchaku) and will last, and something in the traditional Okinawan style preferably. Thanks, Tom

those things are awesome... No experience but I was actually thinking about ordering a pair to play around with. Anyways.... they look very difficult to learn, probably more difficult than nunchaku... that is just my guess though. They are in some kung fu movies as well... dont remember any titles offhand though at this time. good luck, tom

No don't you dare take the year off! seriusly.... I was blue belt in Shukokai karate years ago... I quit and now I'm trying to pick up Tae Kwon Do. I wish I had never left Karate. I reccomend you at least stay in nearly as good shape as you are in now... work out when you can. And practice all your moves at least, like once a month or something like that. that will at the very least keep you nearly the same as what you are at right now,.... ready to get your training back up to speed if you decide to go at it again in tournaments. Anyways, as for the girl... What more can we say, keep in touch and see what happens. Maybe just maybe, she will still be there when you get back. But be prepared to accept whatever she does. Good luck, tom

There is a guy in my TKD class who is a black belt, a while ago, I think it was a spinning roundhouse kick, he hit another guy in the head like full on. The guy who was hit couldn't practice for a long time and to have reconstructive surgery on his face a couple of times. I can't stand people like that. For that I would have almost certainly kicked him out of the dojo if I could have.. what would you guys have done?

alright thanks for the help sir. -Tom

To gain power, if you have already technique, do strength training. Kata and training are great for practice and technique, but in my opinion do not really make you stronger. They do slightly, but it takes a lot of time. Running and jogging are good for initial build up, also make sure you do it even when you go to weights and machines. Next take free weights, hold them in your hands, and drop nearly to your knee as you walk. You will feel a burn. Try like 10 pounds each hand at first and move up from there. Also use leg press machine, and stepping machine. Stepping machine will also give you enormous endurance if you stick with it. You will be able to kick up and down the length of your dojo many times and you will not be out of breath or extremely sore. To gain punching power, there is one excercise that I believe helps a lot. The pull up.... do it however you want, overhand or underhand. Try to get your chin as far up as you can. Also, use free weights, and even just try taking free weights and moving them all around over your head and to the sides. Then lift them straight up and then curl them.

There is Chung do Kwan Tae Kwan Do (currently in), a style of Karate that I am not sure the name of, and Aikido, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, and I believe an unorganized group for "USA Tae Kwon Do". The Aikido and Brazilian Ju Jitsu and USA Tae Kwon Do are university, basically student run organizations. Not to downplay the benefits they may have for me. But I am also interested in general what could be a place for me to look into for myself, and find a dojo or trainer later. I would'nt mind reading up on my own and practicing on my own. But anyways, to add a little more info, I have a really strong quick but I don't have super speed. However I have great endurance, i.e. I can run like 15 miles in like 3 hours or something like that. Thanks -Tom

Yes I know only I can make the final choice, plus I am limited in choices because I am in small area. I would just like to hear what you maybe think could be good for me. I am a former blue belt in Shukokai karate, but quit many years ago. I have since lost a lot of flexibility, I used to be able to easily kick to face height, now it is very difficult. I just started getting into Tae Kwon Do, which so far is very fun and interesting. ( I do intend to stick with this just because it is only one of what is currently available to me) I just want to see for what I should consider taking later, or buying books and studying. I am 6'3", 215 pounds. Very low flexibility in legs (at least compared to most people who have been active in martial arts), but it may come back hopefully Very strong legs and arms, average or a little above average back and chest for my height and weight. Just curious to see whats out there. Thanks all -Tom

SONNY CHIBA #1 FOR LIFE. Donnie Yen is also a favorite of mine, along with Jackie Chan. Also for any movie experts out there, what is the movie in which they make Donnie Yen fight Jet Li with a weighted weapon to slow him down? -Tom

I'm sorry but I have to post this. I have heard multiple times in this thread "is it really necessary to carry all these guns and weapons around!!????" No, it's not. Is it necessary to eat, or breathe, or drive a car, or own a tv? No. Not if you don't want to live, or continue to live as most of us know it. Is it necessary to even know a martial art? No. So please don't judge those who carry weapons. -Tom

funny but can someone tell us about eagle claw style now? I'm interested too! -Tom