bushido_man96

I do little things every day to try to keep different skills up. I try to observe more than the obvious things to help with awareness, and things like that.

I'm planning to test for 4th degree in October.

Specialization has been going on in the Martial Arts for many years. I do see the value of what you are seeing, though. If I am reading you right, you are talking about grappling from stand-up, and working in the takedown, and not circumventing it for the sake of rolling, correct? However, I think it would depend on what the focus of the session is. If you are wanting to work a session on collar chokes, spending 10 to 15 minutes trying to work a takedown is going to kill your training time.

Yes, contact the Shukokai org, and see if they have anything on file. Barring that, if they feel comfortable enough to ask, then they should be able to come up with something for him. I do agree with what was said above about guilting him into teaching for his son's sake. Will everyone else be required the same?

I think it really is up to the individual as to what they feel comfortable wearing. I do often wonder what it would be like to train without the typical MA uniforms. I can move much better in a pair of shorts and t-shirt than I can my dobak. I have trouble finding doboks that fit my legs well enough to allow free movement. However, I can see the value of wearing a gi for rolling in BJJ or Judo, so I think each style has its reasons.

I think the Arts should evolve. We discover new ways to do things better all the time in many facets of our lives. The training of Martial Arts shouldn't be treated any different. I don't mind tradition, but to remain stagnant in adherence to tradition doesn't really benefit anyone.

I didn't realize there were that many ways of learning. I don't sing in my classes, so that one is pretty well out. However, I do try to keep a read on my students, and try to figure out what works best for them. Usually, I'll try to present the same idea in a few different ways, so that hopefully I cover everyone in a way they can understand. Barring that, its a roaming activity after the explanation so I can figure how best to get each student to understand.

7/10/2013 Did a quicker set of basics so we could review forms for the high ranks, then one-steps and sparring. For the white belts, I had them work on some countering drills to get used to some timing and give them some ideas of countering in sparring. I had them do an open sparring stance drill to counter a back leg round kick with a spin side kick, and then a closed stance drill to counter a front leg round kick with a block and return round kick.

Have fun! Sounds like it will be a leg-killer of a run.

7/10/2013 Taught TKD class: 6-7pm. Did abbreviated basics, then went into forms review, one-steps, and sparring. Working the lovely night shift has put a serious crimp into my training schedule.

The ATA does testings at the two National tournaments and at the World's tournament. I imagine that the STF and WTTU have their own "national" tournaments that they test at, as well. So yes, the sheer number of students involved in the ATA make for some large testings.

If he doesn't mind that you work in that other style, then he shouldn't mind if you test for black belt in that style.

Congrats, and good luck in your pursuit of shodan level!

Big congratulations, Bob! Way to go!

Even with the ones that didn't pass, it looks like you had a really good sized testing cycle, Bob. It would have been great to see it.

Welcome to KF! I'm sure you'll learn a lot here, and I'm sure you teach us something, too!

Congrats!

That's pretty cool. I hope I'm still kicking when I'm 84! Congrats to her!

Congrats! Like sensei8 mentioned, you've matured. Many view the rank of black belt as the goal when they start, but as they approach, they realize there is more in the offering, and it becomes another step.

Yes. But I think Boxing is still allowed.

I'd like to point out that no one here so far has mentioned any "get ripped quick" plans. The plans that have been mentioned have been plans used for years in the weight training community in regards to gains strength and size. The Starting Strength and Stronglifts 5x5 plans are all based on what is called linear progression, which is the best way for a novice lifter to gain strength. Once a novice lifter has come to the point where linear progression no longer works, its necessary to switch to an intermediate program like the Texas Method, or variants. Its also typical for those seeking strength gains to add weight along with it. The GOMAD diet, or creatine, or use of protein shakes are all good ways to gain weight to facilitate strength gain. There are varying opinions on the use of creatine, but milage will vary. Someone who starts out strength training can run on linear progression anywhere from 6 months to a year or more, depending on their individual capabilities. From there, one can run an intermediate plan from 2 to 5 years after that, depending on the individual. Once linear progression is over, its likely that the need for something like GOMAD declines, and that can be stopped in favor of the protein shakes. Stronglifts 5x5 tends to run longer on the linear progression plan than any of the others because of starting with the bar only on every lift except dead lift and barbell row, and only adds 5 lbs per lift per week. The others will progress linearly a bit more quickly by adding around 10 lbs per week, and starting with more weight than the bar. But, these methods both have the same common base that is rooted in building the foundation of strength.

Bob, I find my jumping ability has visibly waned, as well.

It sounds like your sensei is a pretty good man. I am not necessarily condoning the behavior of the dojo he is visiting. It sounds to me that the guy has a bit of an ego problem. But, in the long run of things, if going and learning is the goal, then the belt worn shouldn't prove to be an issue. Was the other sensei disrespectful? It sounds that way. Maybe that is his rule for everyone that comes in. Who knows? And everyone will make their own decision based on the situation at hand. After all, he did ask for opinions, and he got them. You've made yours, and others have made theirs. The discussion wouldn't be as rich if we all agreed.

I agree that perhaps finding an MMA gym may help expedite your goals, if MMA competition is your goal. If you find a good gym, you will have coaches at your disposal to teach all aspects of MMA competition, accelerating your learning curve. Doing Karate and then BJJ will be taking the long way around, and the younger you are when you get into MMA competition, then the longer your career can be. With that said, if Karate and BJJ are your desires, then go with them, and best of luck in whatever path you take. Welcome to KF, as well.

RIP.