bushido_man96

Not every school is going to be for everyone. Some schools know this, and they tailor their goals to fit a specific participant. Its like not everyone in the Army is cut out for special forces. Just like MMA competition isn't for every Martial Artist out there, either. There are schools out there that do cater to a wider variety of participants. They are the ones that one should seek out if the desires that you mentioned are what are being sought.

This is very much the case. As a white belt (0 to 2 years of training), the guard is usually used simply to keep a person from getting around you. They fight hard to keep the feet locked and rarely attack efficiently from the position. Blue belts (1 to 3 years of training) usually do a better job of attacking from the closed guard, but get lost once the guard is open and lose focus. They tend to see different guards as separate. Purple belts (3 to 6 years of training) begin to start seeing the bigger picture. They realize that they can open up, get the grip they need and go back to guard. This understanding causes them to become much more efficient at attacking from the position. Brown Belts (6 to 10 years of training) start to apply the bigger picture. The various guard positions flow into one another, setting up techniques and applying defenses with good timing. Black Belts (9 + years of training) are even more smooth in their transitions and finish their submissions/sweeps/escape attempts at a higher percentage. In addition, they begin to solve more problems on their own, without the need of someone to guide them through every technique variation. Excellent! Well, it sounds like I really need to get the ball rolling in my ground game, so that I can start figuring this stuff out.

Just take life as it comes, enjoy it, and make the most of it. Having a loved one alongside helps the quality of this all, too.

I particularly liked the line Maximus threw back at Commodus in Gladiator: "Death smiles at us all. All a man can do, is smile back."

In a word - "Yes."

To echo that thought, I'd also say that the "one hit wonder" is the exception that proves the rule.

Couldn't agree more Interesting topic sensei8. Think for me it kinda works the other way too. When I think I'm awesome I generally perform better Having the self belief that I can do it and can do it reasonably well makes me do it better. There is nothing wrong with self-confidence, that is for sure. Overcoming that doubt surely helps to build that up. Kudos to you, DWx!

Happy Holidays to you to, Patrick, and to all. And don't eat too much!

Congrats. Enjoy your belt of many colors!

Here is mine: 2321 9485 4270

Chargers stacked the box, stopped the run, and knew that Croyle could not beat them. I look for Palko to perhaps start next week. Not good at all.

Welcome to KF!

Welcome!

This is definitely an interesting set of circumstances. I would have guessed that not all of the major players would have been able to move to Okinawa. If part of it does go, that shouldn't make to big of a difference to the schools that remain. They should hopefully be allowed to carry on, and still continue. If the Hombu moves, it shouldn't make things to much different, should it?

12-13-2010 Weights: push day: Bench press: 140x10, 155x10, 165x10, 175x10 Incline bench: 135x8, 145x5, 150x4 Decline bench: 155x10, 165x8, 175x Triceps push-down: 100x10, 110x10, 10 Overhead triceps ext: 90x10, 10, 100x9 Cross body dumbell triceps press: 30x5, 20x10, 10 Time to up weigh on the bench exercises. Abs Thera crunch: 25 lbs x12x3 Smith crunch machine: 20 lbs x15, 30x10, 10 Ab coaster: 20 lbs x15x3

In TKD, its usually required to be black belt to compete in national competitions like that on the teams. I'm not sure that good candidates are "fast tracked" to black belt just because they want them on the teams. I don't know that that is a problem.

Awesome. I like how he was talking about how the Americans were getting so good at BJJ, and how far they have come. Other styles talk about how their styles have been "Americanized" in a bad way.

Wow, although following what you guys are saying is a bit tough for me, I do find the discussion quite interesting at to how you guys view these. It also appears that you evolve quite a bit as you gain experience.

Nice. It adds a more interesting twist to the discussion here.

Amen to that. Quality is the big thing, backed by LOTS of reps.

Is that one technique???

I'm sure that there are ways to strike someone once, and they could perish. That strike to the throat is an example of one possibility. But, as you noticed, even hitting a vital point like that, there was still an uncertainty of causing death. It just isn't a guarantee.

They do, but I have not seen much short stick usage out of Chinese styles. I've seen a lot of sword, spear, and flexible weapons, but not much stick. Maybe some staff.

I don't think 13 miles is too bad a drive to keep doing what you know. But, if it is a factor, then the Shotokan might be right for you. I would not say that you would "lose" your rank in Wado, because the Shotokan school can't take it or the knowledge you obtained away. With that said, they don't have to honor the rank, and may expect you to start over at white belt, which is reasonable when transitioning from one style to another. The forms may be a little different, but if you get into it and focus, I wouldn't think that as a big deal, either. It will all come with time. Let us know what you decide.

Street effectivness is going to depend on how the art is taught, not what the art is. If the instructors focus on self-defense type scenarios and applications, then you should be good to go. If they don't, then it might be tougher to see where the applications lie. I'd take a look at each class, and then talk to each instructor, and ask them how they teach in relation to self-defense, and go from there. Good luck in your search.