catman

I attained the rank of 1st dan Black Belt in just over 3 years from a dojo that has trained hundreds of Black Belts. I feel that my knowledge is adequate and my training was excellent. I received my Black Belt in 1989, by the way. I have judged many tests and tournaments and have seen students from other schools that are not as well prepared as those from mine are. It is my experience that schools that promise advancement are just in it for the money. I saw many students drop out of my school over the years I have been involved with it and it is a motivational problem that causes most to do so. I would wish anyone that is attempting to find the right school the best luck. It isn't always easy.

When one remembers that 3500 calories = 1 pound of weight, it is relatively easy to understand how to lose weight. Decrease your caloric intake or increase your caloric expenditure by 500 calories a day and you will lose 1 pound a week, safely. Now comes the hard part -- deciding how to increase expenditure or decrease intake. Start with the advice given above -- eat healthy stuff. Increase your activity level -- take stairs rather than elevators. Ride a bike rather than driving short distances. Park farther away from where you work and where you shop. Good luck and take it easy in your exercise. Make sure you are healthy enough to do the exercise you want to do.

I appreciate a good film. I enjoy watching sports of all sorts -- I was once a decent baseball player prior to tearing up my knee in 1975. I attained the rank of 1st Dan Black Belt in Tae KwonDo in 1988 and taught for 4 years until my work schedule made that impossible. I am employed as a Nurse at the Iowa Veterans Home and recently had my knee fixed. I may be able to resume my teaching and some sports activities. Thanks to Froggy for pointing me toward this board, although he did so several years ago.