bushido_man96

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!

I've had doubts, but more often than not it has been in regards to my abilities more than anything else. There are things I see from time to time that I wonder, "why that way?" Now, though, I feel I have the tools to go digging and finding out "why?"

Actually, TKD was all that was offered in my area. So....I guess neither?

So, here we are, 2013 season is 4 games in. How do you feel about your team? I expected KC to be better, and am pleasantly surprised at their improvement. Their defense was good last year, and now, with a steady offense able to control the clock, the defense can really shine. I just hope the Chiefs can keep that talent together for a while. Now, I'm not such a homer that I am going to say they will win the division this year and head to the playoffs; there is still a lot of season left. But, I like their chances against the Raiders and Chargers, and I think KC can split with the Broncos, if they can get their tight ends healthy and get Charles really running earlier in the games. San Diego is looking better, too, and if KC split with SD, I could understand why. Rivers looks really good, and they are moving that ball. And Denver is just a juggernaut. So how is your team doing? Are you excited about your season prospects? Where do you see them finishing? Let's hear it, because Football Season is Here!

Here in Phoenix, ATA regional tournament this last weekend. John Very cool. My former instructor is Tony Collett, and he is out of Colorado. Are you familiar with him?

Good choice. I was weaned on the likes of Lone Wolf McQuade and The Octagon, Hero and The Terror, and Breaker, Breaker. Can't beat the classics!

In a way, it can, in the eye of the public. One bad police officer/deputy can put a black eye on an entire department. I do a good job, but I have to take the slack for an officer with no integrity. I think there needs to be a happy medium struck here. The public are the ones that come to buy your service, so I think consistent standards are important. As for the question of "How does one person's rank affect your own?" comes down to a statement I've made before in regards to the argument of whether or not children should be allowed to attain black belt ranks: "Rank doesn't matter, until it does."

I've been at if for 20 years now, and have never been disciplined like that.