bushido_man96

Very good word analogies here. They made me smile. I also agree. I think over time, we just learn how to make things a bit tighter, and more compact, while still retaining the integrity of the technique. I think this is something that comes in time with so much training. It would be nice to learn how to do it all right up front in our MA careers, but you have to crawl before you can walk.

I'm a bit confused as to what you are asking here, Bob. Do you mean one that doesn't show the technique, but only speaks of it? Or of the lack of "real world application?" I'll answer to the real world application part. In this area, I don't think if you, or me, personally have applied it in the real world, isn't terribly important. What is important is that its been resarched in class and in scenarios to show that it is applicable or not.

This is what I had to do in my new TKD style. I thought it fair, and when it got to the point that I thought I was going to be overwhelmed with too much material, I asked to back off, or take more time between testings.

This will vary from school to school and instructor to instructor. When I started over in my new TKD school, I skipped several ranks in the beginning, at a couple of testings. But I already knew the techniques, so it was just a matter of me learning new forms and one-steps, and adjusting a few things with technique here and there. So, basically, it was more or less memorization of new materials for me than learning new techniques. The instructor saw fit to bump me up more as I went along. As I got to the higher ranks before black, I went rank for rank then. My feeling on the matter is that if someone really demonstrates that they pick up the material fast, and have sound technique beyond their current level, then I see no reason not to skip them. I don't think its fair if they outclass others in their rank to hold them there; it isn't fair to them, nor to the others in that rank, really. But, its something that needs to be looked at on a case by case basis.

I've heard of "the killer instinct." I don't know that its something inherent in everyone, or just certain people. Nor do I know if it is something that can be dredged out of everyone or not. There are some people in this world that tend to be more predisposed to being capable of such things than others; we usually describe them as antisocial and unbalanced, among other words. On another note, training technique does not necessarily mean you are training yourself to have that "killer instinct." I do think the type of adrenile stress training can be very helpful in reacting instinctively to a situation. But that doesn't mean that if you've learned "killing techniques," that you will use them if need be. I don't think there are a lot of people who can.

Its so cool that we can see these kinds of activites take place due to our interactions here at KarateForums. It truly is a credit to what we have here.

These are tough decisions. But, just to be training and to have this dilemma, shows you are fortunate enough to have these options. I wasn't aware that Muay Thai had belt ranks, but if you feel you have more to do there, and you can still do the training well, then go for it. As for starting over; I've been there and done that. It really isn't a big deal. Starting over doesn't mean you lose everything you did previously. It doesn't really take your rank away, either. You just put on a different belt, and get to begin gathering new experiences from a different view point; a very useful thing for training. So either way, I think you've made a good choice no matter which you choose. Best of luck as you move along your MA journey. Let us know what you do decide.

TKD tends to get the McDojo rap more than most MAs out there. Not that TKD really hasn't done this to itself, but in the end, a lot of schools suffer for it. When it comes to deciding to learn any style, its important to go take a look at the schools, watch classes, ask questions, and then make an informed decision. As far as differences in the two styles goes....depending on the TKD organization in question, there is a likelyhood that the forms will not be synonymous with Karate style forms; TSD, from the styles I've read about, have forms that are essentially brought from Karate styles, with some few differences and some different names. TSD schools may do more form application work than a TKD school, but this will vary, as well. I think the main difference may come in the focus on sparring. WTF schools will likely have a higher focus on sparring Olympic style sparring, and ITF will have a different sparring method. I'm not sure of what kind of focus TSD schools will place on sparring. You also have to consider the attitude of the teacher of each school, as well, and how they prefer to approach sparring, and in what manners. In the end, it would be easiest to answer by going to observe some of the classes your friend goes to check out, and see what differences you notice. If you do that, come back and tell us about them, because I'd love to know, as well.

It would likely be a good idea. It only takes one little nick in the nether region to decide you don't like it.

I like your drills, MP. I love how they flow together, and you aren't really learning a whole new one-step each time you go up in rank. Our one-steps are hard block and strike oriented. Some work angles better than others. I have done some work with them where I've taken the one-step further from the block attack/counter format to a more streamline format for self-defense. The problem is, I don't get to do them in class. Its usually just with my DT partners. I may try to get a few uploaded, but I'm afraid my instructor might have kittens if he sees any of our stuff out on the web.

Not much, although I should. Sometimes around the house I'll just throw out some random TKDness from time to time, but nothing much. I should do it more often, though. With some focus.

I did ask him but his suggestion to me was stay at his school and commute. lol There are some places that seem great nearby, I guess what I'm having a hard time with is not progressing anymore in TKD in favor of another style. I like TKD, and 2nd Dan only feels like I'm half way. 4th Dan certifies you in the federation as a master and to run a school, but like I said the TKD schools don't seem the best in the area we now live. I kind of always thought of myself opening a MA school down the road somewhere and I feel like starting a new style now might be more of a setback to that goal than a help. If this is your wish, then look into one of the other WTF schools nearby, and do the best you can with it. Once you are of rank to open your own school, you'll be able to do things your own way, and get away from that McDojangish feeling you get. You never know until you try it out, though. Edit: I see I'm a bit late with my reply . Its great you've found something else you like. But, my suggestion above still stands, if you can make two styles work for you. But, if you feel confident with going another rout, then enjoy yourself!

That's a great pic! We have two patches; a Sun Yi's Academy patch, and a Traditional Taekwondo Association patch on each chest side. That particular uniform has stitching down the sleeves that say Sun Yi's Academy on one side, and Korean on the other. I also have a uniform that has an Instructor patch under the left breast patch. That seems about right to me. In the ATA, we had a school patch on one side, an ATA patch on the other, then on the sleeve you had judge patches for black belt, between 1 and 3 depending on the certification you held. I think they have more depending on what they do, now.

Welcome to KF!

Welcome to the Forums, Saie!

Welcome to KF! I'm excited to hear more about TSD. Good luck with your upcoming testing!

6/25/2012 Floor Kicks Side kicks: 3x10 each side Round kicks: 3x10 each side Hook kicks: 3x10 each side 6/27/2012 Floor kicks Side kicks: 3x10 Round kicks: 3x10 Doggie kicks Side kicks: 3x10 6/28/2012 Firearms training Building searches using sims rounds. We went through 3 scenarios as two man teams, and then did a debrief after each and discussed things. One scenario, I gave my point of view on what I had planned doing in regards to armbaring someone to secure them, and the lead guys said they thought my tactics were sound. After my 3 run throughs, I got to run through with another guy who needed a partner, so I got double the fun. Even got to shoot some sim rounds a few times. 7/10/2012 Range training Did some shooting from cover, rolling out to strong side and knocking down what we call "pepper poppers," then switch hands and roll out to weak side and knock down a pepper popper. Then, we advanced to another position, shooting a pepper popper while moving from cover to cover, reloading behind cover. After that, we did a drill where we stood at 21 feet with our hands on our heads, and the rangemasters pulled a target on wheels at us. The goal was to draw while retreating and get three shots off. Good times. Then we did some patrol rifle shooting at 60 yards, which went ok, put 3 rounds through the shotgun at the same range, then did a bit more practice with the pistol.

Go see a doctor.

That's a tough situation you have there. The problem with home study courses is quality control; there usually is none, and unsupervised technique work might end up getting you hurt. Instead of courses, you might just see what kind of channels you can find on youtube to learn and have a bit of fun with. I don't really condone learning without an instructor, but if you're looking just for some fun, it might not hurt much. Just be sure you understand what you are actually getting out of it.

Check with your instructor to see if it bothers him/her or not. You won't know if you don't ask, and he could clarify better than we could. We will only have opinions, whereas the protocol of your school will be learned there. At our school, we start teaching new material even before the belts arrive, because the instructor knows if they pass or not.

Congrats!

Welcome to KF!

Welcome to KF, Naked Snake. Glad to have you!

Welcome Todd! I think its great you are working with the kids like that. Hope to hear from you in the forums soon!

Great posts. I can't add much to them. As far as "learning more advanced stuff" goes...it really has more to do with fine tuning the basics, which ends up being the advanced stuff. The advanced guys make the basics look easy, becauase that's what they do all the time.