bushido_man96

And here is the problem. These kids memorize which way to turn on their Katas, or what combinations to perform for their Kihon, and help each other out during kumite. So all they have demonstrated is that they learned how to pass a test. So does that mean they really know their arts? How are adults any different? I memorize forms, and learn how to take the tests, too. I don't think you give the kids enough credit.

Here is one Randy Couture demonstrated:

7-22-10 Morning: 2.4 mile bike ride with the dog. Afternoon: Lifted; back 7-23-10 Shoulders

Welcome to KF, Marcin.

Welcome, Kita.

Welcome to KF, Steve!

7-20-2010 Jogged mile in 10:45, and made 1.38 miles in 15 minutes. TTA low green belt form (Do-San) TTA low green belt one-steps using heavy bag as target ATA camo belt form. Had to review it a few times, but got it in the end. ATA camo belt one-steps on heavy bag Stretch. Chest and triceps. Bench bothered my right shoulder again. Not sure what to do about that.

That's Chloe Bruce, I believe, and that is one of her XMA freestyle forms.

I don't think those guys are posers. They spend lots of time training...after all, that's how they make their living. The talk and the intimidation is also a psychological part of the competitions. Yeah, they talk, and they act tough, but its also part of the entertainment aspect of it. Not everyone likes it, but its part of it.

If you are feeling pain in your stretches, then you are stretching too far. Stop and let it heal. You should stretch until you feel that tightness, that tension, then hold. Don't overdo it, or you will hurt your chances at being able to reach the splits. I can't do a full split, and I'm not sure if I ever will be able to. I'm not all that worried about it, either. You can do a good side kick without doing full side splits. But, keep at it, and when you get there, let us know!

This is just something people have to get past. If I quit everything I ever loved because someone I took issue with was involved with it as well, then I probably wouldn't be doing very much. Hell, I wouldn't have the job I have now if I quit because someone I didn't like worked there, too. Its just the nature of things, and if one enjoys the activity enough, they'll figure out a way to tolerate it and stay with it.

The key in "mastering" anything is necessarilly quantity, but quality of reps along with it. If you practice a bad side kick for 10,000 hours, you just end up with a bad side kick.

I tend to agree with tallgeese on this one. In the over-extension that tonydee mentions, I think it is more of a need to practice the technique than whether heel up or down is the right way or not. I that the heel being up a bit allows for better ability to drive with the hips, and to bring power from the floor, as well as allowing easier transitions in using the lead of the rear hand with maximum power.

I like this idea, im sure some schools probably do it too I hear this arguement a lot, so lets toy with it a while. How will the test be different? Is the curriculum different for the under-aged jr black belt? If not, then I take issue with it. "Sorry, kid, but you're just not old enough to be a 'real' black belt. So what we'll do is wait until you turn 16, and you can do that jr black belt test all over again, and then, you will be a 'real' black belt. How does that sound?" I think that sounds like an instructor working a student over for more testing fees. And even if one doesn't charge testing fees, what has really been accomplished here. Its like the driving restrictions they put on kids when they start getting their license. Most of the time, the restrictions are just foolish.

Very true. Impact conditioning isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. It takes a long time to build up to an appreciable level. As much as I like Takemi Takayasu I will definitely say he's quite the extreme. It's better to take it slow and at a moderate level, this way you can actually train longer and get more conditioning rather than just banging it out hard for a few reps, whimpering, and recovering for the next few days. I also wouldn't do this training any more than 2-3x a week tops. Thanks for saying what I was trying to say in much more efficient manner. Sometimes my wording is very clumsy.

I think the main reason for this is because there just aren't the numbers to go with women's Boxing that there are to go with men's Boxing. In men's, you have to turn people away. In the women's, you probably can't get enough out. Its just the nature of the beast. If it gains popularity, then you might see the addition of weight classes.

How come when this survey pops up, no one ever puts the choice "act like every other human in the world does"....?????

With the exposure of what Machida has done in the UFC, it may lead to the opening of hybrid Karate schools that do train with a focus on MMA competition. I think it would be good for the MA community in general.

No, not rank so much, as skill, that makes the difference. Usually, the two have a direct corelation, but not always. And desire and perserverance are not always enough to pull someone through. Skill and preparation are just as important.

Its quite funny to me, how many of us as MAists will speak of how the belt doesn't matter. But in this case, it does.... ....so, it leaves me to wonder how many of us have gone back on what we said when we claim "the belt doesn't matter...."?????

I don't think this is a fair arguement to make for children not earning black belts. Its true that children are easily overpowered by adults. What you have to look at is what the child knows and can do as compared to other children his/her same age. The child vs. adult agrument isn't much different than making a professional MMA fighter vs. average adult black belt argument. The two are just too different to try to compare. But, does the inability for an average adult black belt to beat a professional MMA fighter mean that person isn't deserving of his/her rank? I don't believe so. Thoughts? I'm 38 and a pretty nice sized guy. I was sparring with my 9 year old son a couple of weeks ago and he caught me in the eye with a ridgehand. Now he didn't drop me or knock me out, but he did cause me to step back some and slow me down. This can make all the difference in the world if someone is trying to take him. Plus I have to believe he was holding back a little on old dad too. I see what you are saying here. Now, add in a level of determination and goal-oriented thought process in the mind of an attacker, and how much can the situation change? That said, it could be enough to buy the child the time he needs to get away. But, at the same time, we aren't talking about being able to "take" and adult, either.

I think that this is the single biggest detrimant to many MA styles, and also the source of many of the ego-conflicts that go on between the "traditionalists" and the newer age "MMAist." There is validity to your statement. But, I think in the end, you have to decide how much time it will take to tailor something to yourself like that, and if the time it will take is worth the time that could have been dedicated to something that you knew already worked for you, and could be honed and serve the same end. I see the point behind either approach. It just depends on if one is worried about making it all work, or not.

I think not lifting the heel comes from a kata standpoint, is likely more of a technical appearance thing than anything else. We are told the same in TKD basics and forms, too. That said, I think lifting the heel is better, mainly for the reasons that tallgeese mentions, and I think it lends to being more mobile. I think the difference also comes in the nature with which strikes are done in Boxing/Thai Boxing and in Shotokan/TKD. In Boxing, the punches are sent out and back, whereas in Shotokan, especially in forms work, the punch is driven out, and then left in that position until the next move, which is usually then done with the alternate hand/arm. Where in Boxing, the succeeding move may be done with the same hand.

Welcome to KF! Do you run an ATA school? I saw the link in your footer. I hold a 2nd dan in the ATA, and was a certified instructor. I've recently been reviewing my ATA material to shake up my training a little bit.

Welcome, Andrew!