bushido_man96

Never had the chance. Our instructor said he was going to be getting some for the gym, but they never did show up. I've heard good things about them.

Its good the injury wasn't serious. A torn rotator cuff could put you out for quite some time. A lucky little reminder for you, I'd say.

Welcome aboard!

I'd agree with the pain tolerance of a zombie. If they do feel pain, it does not deter them, so they probably would never tap out. I'd say ranged weapons are good idea. I like the tank idea, too.

Experience is what helps you figure out when and how to apply the techniques that you know. Experience is key.

I tend to agree that the technique(s) that felled the opponent are the more important ones.

Congrats, Patrick. Outstanding job.

Expectations of entitlement kills ingenuity and innovation and creativity. And many MA schools have begun to cater to this idea, and it does hurt the students. I don't know that it is really the exception anymore, or the rule. I know that not everyone who starts, finishes, but its been that way for years. Those who love it, will likely stick around. Also, many people are a lot busier now than they were ten years ago, too. I know I am busy with work, wife, kids, etc. Its gets tough, and my schedule is not my own.

Perhaps by having typed out syllabii, or even picutres and directions of what the kids are to do, to provide the parents with might help them to understand better how to help their kids. Also, assigning "homework" for the parents to sign off on is a good idea. Maybe doing their form or techniques for 10 minutes at home, and then mom or dad signs off they did it, and had to watch them do it.

It can be embarassing to blow the board break, especially with an audience. I've experienced that myself. Not fun. But, that is also why its called a test. I know we talk alot about preparation for testing, not letting students test who aren't ready, etc, but the very nature of a "test" is the idea that there is the possibility of failure.

At any rate, it is a Romanization of a Japanese word, so the spelling could be done different ways. That is what I am guessing is being presented.

There is always something. I think it can be a good thing, if they get it regulated right.

Welcome to the Forums!

Welcome to KF!

It will be interesting to see how Thigpen does with the start. The Chiefs got totally embarassed by the Broncos on Sunday. That was hard to stomach, and now KC has dropped two division games in a row. Not good.

I don't mind that the difficulty in the break technique goes up as rank increases. There may be other options available to you by the instructor, if you check with them, Joe.

Its been quite some time. But, I get nervous at all of my testings, and the first was the same. I don't recall any major foul ups, but I do recall the nervousness.

I agree, Bob, that white belts, and lower ranks in general, tend to have a more broken rhythm to the way they move and strike, and that is part of what I like about sparring with lower ranks. Everything tends to be fresh again. I agree with your comment on forgetting what its like to be "new." That was one thing I have enjoyed about doing Aikido. I have to start over, and learn a whole new set of movement principles. Its is very refreshing.

I agree, Bob. Perfection is a pursuit, a never-ending one.

I notice this especially when lower ranks first begin to spar. Their technique may not be quite as sharp, and the techniques tend to do things you don't expect them to do. Its fun, as it forces me to get out of that mindset of "expecting" techniques to look a certain way.

I'll be honest--I've NEVER seen that happen. When my instructors have asked students to attack them they have always blocked it, even if the student attacked with a left haymaker instead of a straight right punch. That said, I definitely agree with you that you need to train yourself to identify and utilize the correct "tools", as you put it, for the job. I haven't really seen it happen that much, either, but that because every time I've seen this set up, its been rehearsed, and a ready-made partner is used. Now, if these kinds of demos are done with random people, and a more random attack, then it can definitely happen. That is why the KISS principle applies; keep it simple to deal with a diverse number of attacks. I do agree that training the proper tools is the right idea. Being prepared, as in being in a stance and having the hands in a position to facilitate a faster blocking/interecept motion is a key to success here.

Congrats!

I was sorely disappointed with the Chiefs loss to the Raiders. The game is almost always a tough one, but it seemed like KC let it get away again, and that irks me more than anything. But, I never like to see a loss to the Raiders, either.

Sounds like a blast. I've been working back into some stretching and a few calesthenics here and there. Still fighting the cough, but I think next week I may be able to get back to it.

I've been away for several months now, so when I get back, I imagine the rust is going to be quite bad. Looking forward to it, and not, at the same time.