lordtariel

I agree. It was pretty hard on my body when I used to do judo(although I had three hour classes) I would recommend freeing a day or two up for rest. That would be my main concern, cross training between the arts isn't such a big deal, especially between such different arts.

And unfortunately, that's image MMA is getting because if it.

We actually learn kata by first doing bunkai, then putting the moves into the kata. Anyone who is in the class at the time learns it, although the younger students usually do a more toned down version if the moves are too much. I don't believe too much of it is taught in the junior class though.

I actually like wearing just the gi pants and a t shirt unless we were grappling, in which case I prefer the full gi. However, when I put on the gi, it's kind of like a subtle reminder that I'm here to train, and train hard.

That seems a little strange to me, we find out the day of the test. When I was in judo though, it took a few days after the test for the belts to come in, but we still knew after the test.

I hesitate to make a blanket statement like that, although it does seem to be less prevalent in some MMA circles, but that's the way it is in a lot of different sports venues though any more.

My first system was a 2600. I still have the system and a bunch of games. I take it out from time to time when I'm feeling nostalgic.

I've always had luck through university classes as well. Not only are they usually cheaper, you can use them for credits and can use your financial aid to pay for them.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Books/story?id=3026698&page=1 Did anybody else watch the story about this guy the other day? He claims that the key to weight loss is in strength training, not cardio.

I've always enjoyed the Chinese Broadsword(Dao). It was the first weapon I ever learned. I agree with everyone else though, find an instructor to get started. Better to correct any mistakes you make now than to break any 2-4 year old bad habits you might develop by doing it on your own.

Good job! I'm testing for mine in about a week.

And they're usually waiting in the wings to knock you on your butt when you get too cocky.

That's the way I feel. It's normal to compare yourself with others, and a little competition in good humor is a healthy thing. As long as you don't do it for ego, it's no big deal.

Last week we did a bunch of push ups in class and I discovered I needed work. So I started a quick training program to be able to do more of them. Every morning and every evening I do 20 push ups. Every week I add ten to the number I do. This week I've started doing 30 each time. So in eight weeks I plan to be doing 100 push ups two times every day. I've also heard that the position of your hands changes the muscle groups that you work. Like having your hands together under your chest vs having them out. Is there any truth to this and if so, what groups do they work? Also, is there a benefit to doing one handed push ups?

I've always had the best luck with rolling it. It shrinks when I wash it, and it looses some of the stitching when I toss it in the drier. I roll it up and leave it that way all day. The next day I unroll it and roll it in the other direction. After a few day's it's usually just fine. It'll break down with use as well.

Every place is different, but we get a critique(verbal) after we've tested about what can be improved and what we're doing right.

Is it possible? Maybe. We live in a sue-happy world where anybody can sue for any reason, no matter how stupid. It really just comes down to covering your butt when you do anything. Make sure there's something in the contract that says they waive the right to sue the dojo or instructors due to any injuries and such if and when applying the techniques learned. Here's another possible scenario. A senior student shows another student a technique he's learned that gets little Johnny hurt when he tries to use it. Is the student responsible or is the instructor responsible?

http://www.trocadero.com/noamin/items/630284/en1.html I believe Jitte were a blunt with a pointed tip for thrusting. The prong that ran up was used for catching a sword and twisting it out of somebody's hands, or in the hands of a skilled practitioner, even break them. http://www.wle.com//products/w104c.html Butterfly knives were are essentially heavy, single-edged knives that were for the most part chisel sharp. I believe the prong on a butterfly knife can be used the same way as the jitte. They are much heavier than a jitte so techniques would be completely different. Butterfly knives are also used for strength training.

I believe they were carried by the shaolin monks as backup weapons to be used in a pinch.

That's really interesting... Where would you find something like that?

I've started training on my 15 min breaks at work. Might not seem like much but it tacks on another half hour of training a day and I don't even really notice it. Since most kata are less than 2 minutes long, that's 7 katas to a break or 15 minutes of combos, strikes, kicks or whatever else I feel like working on at the time. Not to mention it's a great way to blow off stress at work.

Specialize in tournament traveling... Karate Travel Agency Interesting article to read. Thanks

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003652872_webhouse05m.html Anybody read about this?

If you're really concerned, go get a second opinion. You might just have a doctor that thinks Karate=injuries. Maybe see a sports phys. My thought is to take it easy though, best not to permanently injure yourself, especially at 15.

Pretty interesting, Tai Chi has quite a few health benefits. Thanks for sharing.