bushido_man96

There is nothing wrong with that at all, Bob. I think that more and more people should learn to be comfortable with who they are and what they are capable of, and grow from that, as opposed to trying to always emulate someone. I have been guilty of this myself. I would add, though, that in trying to emulate someone in the beginning, makes for a good launching pad to finding out what one's strengths and weaknesses are, and building from there becomes more individual.

OTI: Opportunity To Improve....

If you find sparring fun, then do it. If you find self-defense training important, then do it, too. Wasn't that easy?

A lot of what katas do are up to personal interpretation. I wouldn't want to squash anyone's creativity. But, it depends on how much stock you put in to the way forms are done, too. Now, if it comes to a tournament, especially the open kind, if they throw a fancy tweak in there, then I don't think I would mind so much. Some tournaments judge more for athleticism and aesthitics than other stuff. That doesn't make it right, but it doesn't make it wrong, either. Different strokes for different folks.

I didn't think it looked too rigid. It did seem to lack some intent, though. He just seemed to walk through the motions.

11-28-09 ATA white belt form: 5 times Jog/walk 11-29-09 Push-ups: 20, 10 Jog/walk 11-30-09 Bag work: 3 rounds, 5 minutes, punching ATA white belt form and one-steps: 3 times each

For front kicks, I pivot the base foot anywhere from 45 to 90 degrees. And try to keep the base leg knee bent.

I love the taste of a good steak, so I don't forsee dropping meat from my diet anytime soon. I do get some veggies in, but meat is a big staple of my diet. Drinking lots of water is good, too.

I will, for sure.

Welcome to KF.

To apply the techniques of Aikido against a non-compliant opponent, it is necessary to either provide some energy, or use the energy provided by the opponent (that is, if you are only applying Aikido principles). Now, if you are not averse to using some strikes to loosen things up a bit, then that can help things a bit.

I have seen this kind of thing before. I don't really care either way.

That's right. There are some strikes in Aikido, but most of them are done to facilitate the energy needed for a technique, by the attacker. They make sure the energy is right, and that the proper target is being struck, but other than that, they don't strike anything, and, at least in my class, we haven't lined up to practice these strikes with any kind of intent.

But, as with academics, once the primary goal is achieved, is this truly enough? That wasn't my concern. But since you ask, "never stop learning."

I do agree that strength training can be a boon to any physical endeavor.

Congrats to all!

I think that I've seen that you can use one step above the use of force ladder, but I'm not for certain right now. I'd have to look into it some, to for sure.

Having your hands up in a fence position is a good place to start. Stand with a foot slightly back, with your strong side back a bit, if you prefer. But, you've got a good start with your opening post. Try to difuse, and just get away. No shame in that.

What I do from time to time, Bob, is go to sherdog.com, and punch in the fighters' names in the fighter search. Find the guy, see what he kind of does and doesn't do, check his record, and how he tends to win. Then, I'll compare him to the guy he is fighting. This helps when I don't recognize names, and seems to help me at times. Just an idea.

Thanks, Bob. It was great to see back to back wins, and one at home for a change! I hope they keep rolling.

I hope everyone had a good holiday! I know that I did. Thanksgiving meal number 2 coming up on Saturday!

11-26-09 ATA white belt form and one-steps, 2 times each. Push-up and row: 2 sets, 20 push-ups, 20 lbs on the rows. Upright dumbell rows: 20x15x2 Dumbell biceps curls: 20x10x2 Triceps press: 20x20x2 11-27-09 Squats: 10, 20, 20 ATA white belt form and one-steps: 2 times each Squats: 30, 15 Front kicks: 10 each leg, not setting down between kicks.

Being in Korea, there out to be a Taekwondo school around somewhere. You could also look to Kuk Sool Won, or Yudo. Good luck in your search, and welcome to KF.