bushido_man96

But why? Could you elaborate on your thoughts here?

Yes, protein bar, also make yourself some trail mix or something like that. A few handfuls while you are in the car on the way to the next stop will help fuel you up.

Nice workout there. I'll bet that keeps the heart rate up nicely.

I'd get to a BJJ school, but that's just me. There is so much the style has to offer, I don't think it would ever get boring. As for TKD, like JusticeZero mentioned, the focus of the style tends to be on kicking, and it offers some great physical challenges in the advancement of kicking techniques. Depending on the type of TKD you find will tell you how much hand techniques you get to use. ITF stylists tend to use more hand techniques in sparring, and even allow head contact. WTF style only allows hand techniques to the body in the form of a fist, and none to the head. ATA schools do point sparring, with light to medium contact, depending on the rank, and have forms that are challenging as they get higher ranked. ATA schools will often get the infamous McDojang label, but there are some good ones out there, and you get out what you put into it. Most TKD schools will likely offer a kids program, as well. Good luck in your search, and let us know what you decide on.

"Proof is on the floor," not necessarily around the waist. Does this seem a bit eccentric in regards to this fellow making GojuRyuBahrain wear a white belt? Yeah, a bit. Who knows what the reasoning is. I say, however, if wanting to go learn is the desire, then who cares what you wear. Go to learn. Why let a piece of cloth and some pride stop you from learning something?

I think the main problem with a sport going Olympic like that is that the main concern becomes the saturation of the sport with so many people in order to find the best talent out there. Sure, you get the best, but you also end up like so many TKD schools that are teaching Olympic style, or Judo, which is so focused on sport now that self-defense goes by the wayside. I think these things are what many Karateka would be concerned about. Then you have to deal with being a club or school that is not one of the Olympic style schools, adhering to the IOC rules and regs, and then the draw you might have had drops because you aren't providing that Olympic opportunity. That's just my guess.

6/13/2013 Warmup: 5 minutes of rowing. TKD: Do-Kang 1, Se Jong, and Yoo Sin. Did white and orange belt forms, Chon Ji, Dan Gun, and Bo Chung, then white and orange belt one-steps. Then a nice stretch. About 45 minutes worth of a workout.

Sounds like its going well. Stick with it, and I think you'll enjoy the results. A problem I found with the barbell rows is that eventually, it fits more as an assistance exercise than a primary exercise. A lift like the power clean would probably serve you better in the long run, especially when it comes time to move on to a different progression, like Texas Method, or something like that.

Uggh, sounds like some obscene, yet fun, form of punishment. Kudos to you, Danielle. I probably would have puked half-way up, if I could make it that far.

You've got the dream part of the job, Alex. It would be so cool to cycle from one to the other like that. Have you ever done any TASER/Simunitions cross-training for UOF? We've done some, and I hope we can get to do some more in the future. Its really a blast, combining the two. 6/11/2013 Stretched, 10 pistol draws, 5 TASER draws.

I've heard it said that self-defense is what you have to use when self-protection doesn't work. Practicing good self-awareness drills is great for this. Nice idea, I may use it sometime.

It appears that not only is dealing with the recoil an issue, but learning how to follow through with the strike and still retain control on the rebound to bring it through.

That looks like some great weapons training right there. Great use of protective gear to promote realistic striking at various targets. I love the penetration, too. Thanks for sharing that. Wish that was around here.Stick fighting has been around for a long, long time, and I think fighting with sticks has always been a very valid form of fighting.

Good points being made here, Bob. I know if and when you pass this test, the achievement of this rank will not change you as a person or instructor. Perhaps you are already there, and this is just icing on the cake? Good luck, and I'm sure you will do the Shindokan proud.

I will be looking into this. Thanks for sharing it, Justice.

6/7/2013 Gracie Combatives, Day 5: 8:00-noon. More review, and we also added in some basic knife defense. I think it has some uses, but there may be some better knife defense work out there. But as a starter, I can go with it. We also did some gun retention from a rear grab. We spent the last half hour of the class reviewing on our own, working through various scenarios, and working to completion by getting to cuffing. There are some things I am recalling better than others, but, with practice, I'll be able to start hitting everything really well. Just takes practice. And I hope to some more rolling in the future, as well. Overall, a really great MA experience, and one I'll remember for a long time. This one will rank up near the top.

This schedule definitely looks better. I lift before karate--just make sure you're staying hydrated! As far as speed goes, as long as you do your lifts quickly you will promote fast-twitch muscle development. Remember that the weight may not move quickly if it's heavy, but if you are trying to move it fast, that's what counts. I agree with Wastelander. This is a better looking schedule. Leave Friday and Saturday as rest days. Don't lift, don't run, don't do anything on those days as far as a workout. You'll need the rest for recovery, because recovery is when you get stronger. I would worry about plyometrics for the time being. You'll see an increase in power and speed as you get progressively stronger. Make sure to use good progression in your weight training, too. That's how you see results. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

I agree with the removal of the safety gear. If it isn't helping, then get it out of the way.

I'd heard of Chessboxing before, but not ChessPoker. But, it takes all kinds, I guess.

I agree. Even the difference between the Chinese and Okinawan counterparts confirm this. Its only natural that things change over time.

That does seem kind of odd. What is his reasoning in attaining a conceal-carry license? Is it so he can do the background checks? A little visualization goes a long way in helping some people to remember the "why" behind a technique. Good stuff.

If you are really concerned about the etiquette, then I would speak to each of the instructors you would be working with, and tell them your plans. Personally, I think what you spend your time and money to do, outside of anything illegal, is your business. If one instructor only offers class once a week, then I don't see any issues in seeking training the other days of the week. Also, welcome to the Forums. Glad to have you here.

Anytime, Patrick. It was a fantastic time, and the work was pretty hard. We did so many reps. It will definitely be one of my best MA memories. Royce was big on doing things in slow motion, and talking our way through the movements. We would talk through it as the officer, then some times we would talk the other guy through the moves, and sometimes we would stand on the outside and talk others through it. We did punching defenses, gun retention, and of course the ground stuff, either in positions of control, or in case we as LEOs ended up in a bad position, in order to improve our position, and regain control. Royce was very mellow, and a very nice guy. He posed for a few pictures with me, signed a book for me, and even choked me out once, for "court purposes." I learned so much, and even learned something about how skilled the BJJers out there are, even at what other arts would call "low ranked" levels. There is so much to it. I made some great contacts as well, some guys I can contact in regards to any technical questions I might have. Now, to start getting some mat time in. I'm going to continue studying the manual he gave us, read through it and refresh, and hopefully start providing some classes for the department soon. I can't wait to go renew in a year.

Sounds like it was a great experience. Thanks for sharing! Did you make some pretty good contacts?

I can't disagree with you there. Good thoughts, Bob.