bushido_man96

Good stuff!

7-27-10 Jogged mile in 10:29. TTA low green belt form and one-steps ATA camo belt form and one-steps Stretch Chest and triceps in the gym. No bench today, just machines. Shoulde doesn't feel so bad, either.

I wonder at times, but I think that for the most part, in order for the trick kicks to be done right, the basics would have to be solid.

If they only do kata in competitions, then the nature of it being a competition is making kata a sport. They just as well jump in with both feet, instead of standing on the side of the pool testing the water with one foot.

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. I mean the kids at my school that wear tapout shirts like they know what real fighting not an actual UFC fighter.Hey, I wear Kansas City Chiefs t-shirts, but have never been invited to training camp What I mean by this is that entities like the UFC have taken the world of Martial Arts and marketed it like it never has been before. Now the layman takes an interest in Martial Arts, picks a fighter or stable of fighters that he likes, and can by merchandise that reflect those preferences. Its not unlike me buying KC Chiefs gear, since I am only the biggest ever KC Chiefs fan (ok, maybe an exaggeration there...I'm not THAT big....) but I think you can see my point.

Could you elaborate, im having a thick day What I mean is why not just being able to talk to an instructor like he is just anyone else out in the world, without a title or anything like that.

In Combat Hapkido, we always try to finish, whether it be with a lock, pin, break, or strike of some kind.

In the material I have read about Muay Thai, they do lift the heel, even when kicking.

This is a nice quote. I like it.

It sounds like it would be a good read. I may have to look into it eventually. Thanks for sharing your review, Jay.

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. So, should an member of law enforcement ignore/violate the rules/regulations/law that make up the driving restrictions for kids? If the law says that a kid is to have an adult licensed driver with them while their driving, for example, and an officer of the law see's that a kid is driving without an adult in the car, possibly that officer should disregard the rules/regulations/law because that officer thinks that the rules/regulations/law is foolish? Aahhhh...no, I don't think so. No matter how foolish one might think a rule/regulation may or may not be of any said martial arts organization; it's their law, and I believe that that should be respected. I did not say it is ok to disregard rules/regulations/laws. What I said was that sometimes, laws/rules are made that don't really accomplish anything, other than creating other rules and regs to be followed. As for law enforcement, there is this little thing called officer discretion at our disposal...

Should an instructor go against the rules/regualtions/by-laws of the Headquarters? If you've got rules in place to govern this, then probably not a good idea to go against them. But, I do think it could be a good idea for said organization to speak of this periodically, and revisit the ways of doing things, and why they are that way.

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.