Jacob

Tea is great! I get very good tea at a store called Teavana (no, this is not an advertisement). They have their own website and if there is not a store near you, you can order stuff and have it delivered. All kinds of fresh, loose tea and tons of different flavors.

I say find another TKD school; mine was a bit relaxed but attention was always paid to starting and finishing on time, and stretching does not take a half hour. Sounds like they are not all that serious. Hope you don't have a contract.

I don't like them either, but I would have a bigger problem if I got a good kick to the chest without one!

Nothing wrong with TKD! The only reason I dropped out after a year is that the class just wasn't a good fit for me. I am older and slower and most of the students were a lot younger and faster than I, which meant many sparring injuries. I liked and respected my three TKD instructors; it had hints of being a McDojo but they really did care about the art and about teaching and were very dedicated to their students. I knew one third-degree BB who could probably have killed a horse with his side kicks - they were unbelievable.

The school seems to be emphasizing fighting techniques above any of the other various benefits and practices of martial arts. Perhaps this is a marketing technique, but be cautious. As we know, martial arts is not about being able to kick someone's butt.

I don't care what mine look like, I just want to see them!

I would take a small hand towel and have it close by so that you can wipe the sweat off from time to time. I sweat an incredible amount as well, but I'm not as self conscious about it when I'm working out. As long as others are not slipping and falling in your pools of sweat (sorry about the visuals you may be getting from that!).

Martial arts do not develop in a vacuum; they are part of the culture and society from which they sprung. Thus, IMHO, I believe that learning a bit about the culture, both language and other aspects, always brings more knowledge and awareness of the art.

Acupuncture is a great field. A lot more people nowadays are discovering its values and are going to acupuncturists for treatment. I think it's a really good field to go into. Good luck to you!

Hi Sniper. I can't help you with particular info., but why don't you talk to the instructors and ask them? Or, ask some of the students. Also, if you are concerned with fighting, you may want to do something more in the area of Krav Maga. Judo and Jujitsu and also more contact-intense. Are you limited as to the number of schools in your area?

Sounds like George and his instructor were using you for a practice dummy. IMHO, I would say go with your instincts and avoid those instructors and dojos that give you a negative feeling. There are many nice people in the martial arts for you to discover.

Don't see why other schools wouldn't accept you, however, they may be a bit different in their teaching approach and grading. The most important thing is that you continue with your training, IMHO.

Drafon Bushido looks the best, but you can only make a decision by visiting the dojos. You need to meet the people and get the feel of the place in order to make a decision.

I think it is a good idea for those who are truly paranoid.

Make the driver take classes at your dojo. Maybe that will turn his life around!

Don't drink to get drunk. Drink only in moderation and only occasionally. For someone in their twenties, alcohol consumption may not seem to make much of an impact, but as you get older, believe me, you will see that it does. Again, drink in moderation and never to just get drunk.

Cardio; treadmill works best for me.

Rest a lot and make sure you get the proper nutrition. Time and your body's natural processes will take care of the rest.

I quit smoking 15 years ago, and did it cold turkey after smoking for 17 years. It's really hard, and it took five years for me to really get over it, but when the rewards of not smoking overshadow the rewards of smoking, you will do it. And cold turkey is the only method I can recommend. Good luck to you.

The old Nautilus exercise machines had a neck station that was very good, but I don't think there are many of them around anymore. Do shrugs and deadlifts.

Yes, Dave, I am in Baltimore. Can you send me a private e-mail? I would be interested in hearing about your knowledge of martial arts schools in the area. Thanks.

I have had two Reiki treatments. The first one made me feel very calm and relaxed, but not much more. The practitioner told me about some health problems that he saw which I already knew about, but I told him nothing prior to the treatment. The second one was OK. I know there is something to Reiki, but I can't say more than that at this point.

Sorry, I have no other info., just the name of the school, address, etc. I'll just have to check it out. Thanks!

Sorry, that's all I have - the name of the school.

I see that there is a school in my city that teaches Kat Sho Du Karate. Does anyone know anything about it and how it differs from other styles? Many thanks.