bushido_man96

I think DWx had found a Korean translation program of some kind, I'm not sure if it was book or CD form, or what it was called. But she might have some information that could help you out there. On a personal note (and I always have to throw this out there), I would just prefer to teach English speakers in English. But that's just me.

....could this be 're-quoted' to say its natural tempo perhaps? Yes, that would probably be a better way to put it.

What was that course like? It was a retention and control tactics course for law enforcement officers. I really learned a lot about movement, and some of the really basic stuff in regards to body mechanics and grappling. Tons of fun, to boot!

I just try to keep pushing. Find a little thing, make it right, then add to it. I just try to stay stubborn and keep working at things to get a little better.

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I hope she recovers. As for bad classes, I've had them before. It usually has more to do with my lack of performance than other people in the class. Some days, I just feel off, and it shows. On days like that, its just a grind through, get to the end, and shake it off for the next class.

Thanks for sharing this article. I enjoyed the points discussed and the ideals behind them.

Repeating jump front kick drill: use with target or shield, however you want, may even try a clapper pad: Start in right sparring stance, then do #1 jump front kick, followed by #2 jump front kick (which you land in front, switching the legs), #3 jump front kick, #4 jump front kick (which switches the legs again). Should end up in the same stance they started in, so you might switch after that. Make them bounce quick, and make sure they don't cheat any of the kicks. It should be jump/kick/land/jump and so on. You could go by count, or do it for time, like tabatas, or something like that. Its a TKD related drill, and although you might not do a lot of jump front kicks in sparring, its good for the legs and what not.

Welcome to KF, BlackKnight!

Welcome to KF!

Check into the schools and gyms in your area, and see what is offered. Don't look at them in regards to your weight, but whether or not you like what you see, and if you will enjoy the classes. That is what is important. Perhaps something that offers good self-defense along with fitness training. Once you find something you like, just start going to training. Don't worry about your weight affecting what style you want to study. Study what you want, and let the weight come off through training. And don't worry about doing any particular types of exercises prior to signing up; just got sign up and start training. Best of luck, and welcome to KarateForums.com!

I think the problem lies more in the lower levels of competition, for guys who are getting paid a lot of money, and have to work for a living, and train on the side. They don't get to schedule their days like the pros do, so I think that could be a big factor, as well. Just out of curiosity, does anyone no or have experience with this problem with female competitors?

Absolutely! Let them see how it was before wire work and CGI, when a guy had to do the stuff himself. I'm sure they will appreciate it.

Going to a GRACIE course and learning the small bits of BJJ that I have has really helped me out a lot, and see things a bit differently. I'd love to do some gi grappling sometime, and actually learn some more and earn some rank in it.

Alex, that was a great post. I will never look at doubt the same way again.

Congrats on both accounts!

Congrats!

My issue with the forms in our system is we don't do any kind of applications training with them. Some will say there aren't any there, and othes will say there are some there, descendant from the Shotokan applications. Either way, I'd like to do a bit more with them.

I would love a chance to train with John Clements, who is an authority in Medieval Combat.

Very true! Well, I wouldn't say its nothing. It is what it is, mass, which can be a very valuable attribute to have. Generally speaking, people with or muscle mass can take more abuse than those lacking it. Also, being strong can help make up for a lack of techique in the damage department. I would agree that it would be a better use of mass if one can develop proper technique to apply it. And a strong person can do this as well as a person who is not strong.

We don't do any fitness testing in my school. I know some styles do them, and the ATA has added it to their testings for higher ranks, I believe. I'm kind of mixed on the idea of them, as I don't have a great level of fitness as it is. I've never been great at push-ups, nor sit-ups, and I do not run. I understand why some schools have them, and why some don't.

10/2/13 Taught TKD: 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Basics, forms, doing review of at least one if not two belt ranks below for everyone, plus their current form. One-steps, review lower rank and current ranks. Sparring, got lots of rounds in, and at the end, talked about using proper blocking tools for the attack that comes in, and using footwork to gain an advantage as opposed to always moving away. Plan to hit on this more next week.

So it appears what it boils down to is trying to fight in a weight category that is the most beneficial for the fighter, and not making the right choices early enough to make the weight loss easier on the body. I'm guessing most people make weight, and then end up fighting several pounds heavier than they are at weigh-in. I personally wouldn't have the willpower to cut weight like that. I make an effort every year to help make sure my son is making good choices so he doesn't fluctuate weight during his wrestling season. Its not much of an issue now, but as he gets older, it could become one if we don't keep him focused and get him on the right track.

Yes, he does work with Mr. Shields. I'm not sure what the name of the school is, though, but I think you are right.

I said with full speed, kihon, and power. Each move should be done fast (unless it is supposed to be a slow/tension technique), and with the speed comes power, and focus is necessary, I would say.

I will say this. If you have some experience in a style already, and you feel like looking into some online training or other media, then do so with a focus in mind. Don't approach it in the guise of "learning a style" online. Approach it as a training opportunity that is separate from any other opportunity, like a single class. Just keep in mind not having a teacher to give feedback is tough on your training. If anything, try to have a good partner. As for this statement here: I've never heard a teacher say to do strikes with power and not speed, or vise versa. Power and speed are related, not separate. Speed and technique, along with strength, produce power. Therefore, I'd be willing to bet that Xing Yi is really a speed focused style more than any other style is. With that said, if you are looking to increase your speed, I would look into other facets, like plyometric training to develop explosiveness in your techniques. There are also some books out there on speed training which might benefit you more than looking into this other style. That's the route I would be more willing to go with. Best of luck in your endeavors!