bushido_man96

I don't believe that there is a styled called simply "kung fu." It may be a different one than Wing Chun, and if you ask the instructor, he should be able to give you the run down of its characteristics. I don't know for sure how many styles of kung fu there are, but I do know it is a lot. Do your research, and see which one you will like most.

So would mine, if he were there. He tends to be very laid back, though, and just told me, "Well, it sounds like you've handled it." Good news to hear. I felt you were in the right.

No problem

Wow, that's crazy.

It sounds like a good time.

It is just a catchy name that they trademarked for their kids program. It is a pretty good program, too.

I think the main reason for this is the popularity of the name Karate. If you mention it, anyone will know what you are talking about, or think they know. On the other hand, names like TKD and TSD are not as popular, so these owners throw them in the window to get people looking. They can give the real name later, they just don't want to miss out on the people who have only heard of "karate."

For our black belt testings, we have to do a pretest class the night before, which includes all forms, one-steps, and basics. Then on test day, we do our form, two lower rank forms, all of the one-steps non-stop, sparring at least 2 bouts with a higher rank, and then board breaking. My toughest ever test was for my 1st dan through the ATA. I had to do all nine colored belt forms, all of the one-steps and sparring segments, spar a black belt twice, do two board break stations, and then make up our own form of at least 50 moves, I think. I was tired after that one.

Well, I mentioned the workout, and someone said "workout, what workout?"

That's cool....a man of many talents.

I applaud you for your actions, Parkerlineage. I think that not only what you did is right, but almost necessary. You don't need thugs coming in and pounding on your students. They should be ashamed to associate themselves with ever being involved with your dojo after those actions. Too bad the head instructor wasn't there. But, you handled it well. You tried handling it reasonbly first, by speaking to them, but then had to take it to the next level, which is very reasonable on your part. Just something I picked up on your initial post---maybe you should start sparring with your bad side forward, so you can still kick, if it is your strong suit. Just think of how much better you could have done (just messing with ya )

I do remember from the TKD vs. Thai boxer video that circulated on the forum. The Thais were especially keen at catching a hanging kick, and then sweeping out the other leg very not nice like. I thought it looked very cool, and devastating.

OUCH! Kind of like blocking, myself.

I think the forms have changed more for athletics purposes because to the amount of competition that goes on. When people see a powerful waist level side kick, they don't think much of it. But if they see a slower, over the top of the head side kick that locks, they think "wow, cool!" The waist level kick is more effective for self defense, and much more practical, but the lay person does not really see this because of the more flexible, athletic person kicking into the sky. Personally, I like a little more power over more flexibility any day.

One of my previous instructors also incorportated a belt stripe system in which you had to earn so many stripes before you could test. Each stripe stood for different things, like the basics for that rank, knowing the form, knowing the one-steps, etc. It is a good system to use.

It is ok to stretch cold, just don't overdo it. Also, things like leg swings and stuff like that might be good, too. Same thing, don't overdo it. Sitting in a chair and doing front kicks and side kicks is a different exercise you could try as well.

Our school has adopted the ICHF curriculum, although we haven't done it in a while. Some of the guys got to go to a GM Pellegrini workshop, and they said he was a blast to work with. Have fun!

Hey, I like ribs!!

Thanks, abel.

Definitely. I enjoy his books, and have 4 or 5 of them.

I have seen 4 month testing cycles, 3 month, and 2 month cycles. It just depends on the style and instructor. Most instructors will be observing you more closely than you realize, and will know if you are ready to be at the next level or not. Usually, if an instructor sees that one does not meet the reqirements by the time the cycle is over, he will hold the student out until the next cycle. Now, you may feel that you are not ready, but that is mainly due to inexperience. Your instructor can tell if you are ready to move on or not. Trust is his/her judgement, he/she knows what they are doing.

Never heard of him before.

You are right, Sohan. The cool down is a very much neglected part of a workout. I have to admit, that I am guilty of it myself after lifting weights. What many don't realize is the gains that they can gain from stretching after a tough workout to cool down.

When I was in the ATA, I had to go to Instructor Certification camp. That is where all ATA black belts that want to become certified to run a school and teach have to go. It is a week long seminar, and the Grandmaster at that time, the late H.U. Lee, was there. At the end of every evening, he would hold and hour and a half long workout with the blackbelts. On the first night, we did the white belt form the whole time, and it is only an 18 move form! We spent over 30 minutes working on just the first 3-5 moves of the form!!! It showed me how in-depth one can go into learning everything there is to learn about even the most basic things. It was a real blast.

I liked some of VanDamme's fight scenes. I know he is a terrible actor. His biggest mistake was probably Street Fighter. Dolph did a movie with Brandon Lee once, I think it was Showdown in Little Tokyo. It was alright. Dolph's best performance, hands down, is Rocky IV. Man, he was ripped.