bushido_man96

Being outsized may require something different when it comes to breaking balance. Strikes can be effective for this. I've got a brother that is quite a bit larger than I am, and I don't think about throwing him much at all, because he has such a good base and low center of gravity. But, if you can strike someone and get them reeling backwards, then that could be your opportunity to get the throw off.

Oh, well, if it has new stuff in it, then I may have to push up the wish list....

That is one thing to keep in mind with demos.....demonstration usually = advertisiment. So, they naturally do what they can to sell it and make it look good.

I think that's part of the deal, to keep those "cover features" open for anyone's picture to go on.

Teaching kids is tough, and it is not for everyone. Kids tend to get shut down when the hammer falls, especially if they feel they could be doing something more fun than what is going on at present time. And I'm not even talking from an MA instructor perspective; I'm speaking from a father perspective.

I echo tallgeeses sentiments on the fighting stance as well. The most important part is being in an athletic stance with some preparedness in mind. Also, tying to maintain a reactionary gap around people or in places you don't feel comfortable is a good habit to get into, as well. Its not always easy, but its an idea.

I think that ego does become a part of it. What the retiree believes others expect of him/her start to enter into his decision, and therefore, the ego is affected, and enters into the equation. It can be tough to do, there is no doubt about that.

I think that another part of being an honest uke is not only in receiving the technique, but also in presenting an honest attack for the nage to deal with. Making sure that the attack is one that is somewhat reasonable in design, and also delivered with intent and purpose.

People train and grow, and then differences in ideas and methodology arise, and then, you get splits. Thats why there are so many different MA styles are out there.

If Shotokan is what does it for you, then that is great news. I'm glad that you have found it and that it has helped you in this way. Different things do it for everyone.

If you can find an MMA gym around, get to it. They will tailor the training especially for MMA competition, and you'll start working sparring, strategy, and all that much earlier than you will in Shotokan, in my opinion. Taking Shotokan and BJJ together would be great, but learning it all in an MMA gym will show you how to put it together for the ring. Now, if you still feel like training both seperately, then by all means, go for it. I think that an MMA gym would focus your training more for that purpose, though. The Shotokan and BJJ instructors will have their own curriculum set forth for you to follow, and you won't get much MMA focus. In the MMA gym, that is exactly what you will get.

His stuff is always good to read. I have the four originals, but not the new volume. Maybe someday.

I think he means "cherish" in a bit of a different way. Yeah, its hard to love misfortunes, but we do learn for them, and it is important to step back after the fact, analyze why the misfortune came about, and then embrace it, and learn and grow and change. Everyone has a different way of saying things. Some will like it, and some will not. If you like your way better, then go with it. But look at it this way; his way made you think about it.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure its a custom photo. Not a true cover.

I was thinking more of 60/40 for the front stance as well, but otherwise, all pretty close.

Welcome to KF.

That's great! Dive back in with renewed vigor!

I think to claim something has no counter is a bit of a stretch. Sure, once someone grabs hold of your face, it might be tough to get them to let go, but it doesn't mean that it doesn't have a counter.

Ok, that cover design is the same kind I got from a Walgreens photo lab. My wife took in an MA picture of me, paid the money to get it processed, and then it was printed it out, and she gave it to me as a b-day present. Walgreens does it with several other magazine brands, too. That's what I think, anyhow...

I have mixed feelings about trying to compare prices, too high-too low arguements and the like. There is no doubt that there are guys in the MA business to make a profit. After all, people like to be paid for their time. I don't like the setup of the schedule that is presented, but, I don't have too much problem with the pricing.

Its up to each individual as to when it is time, and as to why it is time, is their business completely, as far as I am concerned. One of the sad facts of life is that as we get older, for many of us, the body just won't continue to operate like it did when we were young. For the most part, the MAs are a physical endeavor, and when you can't do it anymore, then it may be necessary to pass the torch. One can still be involved in other aspects, if they so choose, or one can walk away entirely.

Fight Fight! That's it? Fight! Ok...fair enough...but...fight how? How will fighting satisfy ALL/everyone? You won't. Its weird to say, but there are a lot of people into the Martial Arts who aren't into it for the fighting. So, they are not likely to ever really test anything. Then, you get the other end of the spectrum, those who get into the MAs for the fighting. And then that crew usually gets the once-over by those who reprimand them with the "Martial Arts aren't just about fighting" routine.

Thanks for writing this. Chi Sao has always been interesting to me. I always enjoy watching it, and would like to have a chance to see some applications in person.

Tang Soo Do, although Korean, does have its roots in Karate styles. So, it is related to Karate.

Welcome Mihail!