bushido_man96

Yeah, good luck; sounds kind of nasty. Hearing the term "clot" just doesn't sound good at all. Keep us posted on what you learn.

10-9-09 Squats: 40 Push-ups: 30 Crunches: 40 10-10-09 Push-ups: 30, 15 Crunches (legs up): 25 10-11-09 TAZER draws: 10 reps...weak side release, strong side draw, drop-step with right leg to bladed stance. 10-12-09 Bench press: 155x10, 165x8, 175x6, 185x4, 205x2 Squats: 1 minute sets between each of the above bench press sets, 4 sets Bench press: 165x10, 175x8, 185x6, 205x4, 225x2 Assisted pull-ups: 12, max set Bike: 3 minutes Military press: 1 minute, 15 lbs, approx. 40 reps Barbell curl: 80x10 Dumbell triceps extension: 45x20, 55x10

Before diving into something like this, its a good idea to do some research on these kinds of workouts, so that you have some idea of how to proceed. It may sound like a good idea at first, but soon after, well, you can see what the results are. And if you've never done anything like this before, its a good idea to get your body into better shape, and then progress to tougher workouts.

First off, welcome to the Forums. I think you have a hyperextended elbow now. If you keep doing things that take your elbow to full extension, then you will likely continue to aggravate it. Get to a doctor and get it examined, to see if it is any worse than a hyperextension. From then on, when you use your arms, don't lock the elbows completely when you perform techniques. You need to use that kime, to tighten your muscles to keep from locking out completely. Good luck with the recovery. It may take a while.

I'd settle for standing in the rain...

In the first TKD credit course I took, in my hometown, the class was required to be attended 2 days per week, at least, for an hour each class. The instructor would allow us to attend more classes, though, which was great. At the most recent one that I took, we were only allowed to take it the one day it was offered, and if we wanted to take any extra, we had to pay a pro-rated fee to attend more classes.

Welcome to the Forums. First off, you need to see what is in your area, and then decide what it is that you would most like to do. Then, go check out a class at each place, and see which entices you the most. That's the easiest way to make your decision.

I would classify it as a different kick, but that is just me.

Just let him keep going and practicing. What's even more important, make sure that he is enjoying it. If he doesn't, then there isn't going to be much heart put into it.

That first one is always a nerve racker. But, give it a shot; it might be another guy's first one, as well. You'll meet some great people, and you should have a good time, too.

I agree; check the listings of your area, and also ask around. See what turns up.

I'm with you there. There is a lot to Aikido, and getting the movements to flow together is going to take me a lot of time. I find that breaking things down, step by step, really helps a lot.

Congrats!

I think this is a really good observation. I actually attended a weapons retention class about a year ago that our state LETC DT guy put on. It involved not only people grabbing the gun in-hand, but those trying to grab the gun from the holster itself. We did stand-up and ground scenarios. Really eye-opening. It may be something that might be of interest to those who even conceal and carry now, too.

This is something that you may have to check your state statutes for; their may be a duty to flee kind of clause. Also, you can find it in so-called "castle laws," in which a victim does not have the duty to flee from their own home, if burglarized/attacked. Something to look into to be prepared for. I agree with this sentiment as well. I'm not going to try to gain any kind of honor points when I get into a fight. I'm looking to walk away. Hock Hockheim said it well in an article in Black Belt: "cheat first, cheat last, and cheat in the middle!" "Fair" isn't really going to be an issue for me when a fight comes calling. I'm not going to stop and assess my attacker's skill level via an interview, so I know what I can and can't use. But, as you state, there is a point when you have defended yourself, and then can become the attacker, and that is the point at which you must assess the situation, and then decide what comes next. There is lots of talk here about "running away" when you can, but it doesn't have to have that conotation of turning tale and motoring away. Observe your surroundings, back away cautiously, and find a route to take out of there. Also, shortly after the encounter, it should be in the fore of your mind to get in touch with the authorities, so that you can report your side of what happened. I agree here as well. Although they shouldn't be viewed as overwhelming factors against you, they should be noted and taken into consideration. You can see what the cover of the book looks like, but you aren't likely to get to "read" it until things start flying. Size and strength can make a difference.

I just wish I would shrink in the wash sometimes...

I'm not familiar with what Joshinmon is, but Shorin Ryu is a fairly popular, well know style of Karate. As for the ranks, they can vary from school to school, depending on instructor experience and preference. Some will have a different color per rank, and some will have one 3 colors, with 3 different grades per color. So, you'd be better off asking the instructor about the ranking system.

I would have to throw my lot in with these guys as well. Learning the techniques as well as having good drilling methods that mirror closely what you will be doing are the best ways to increase your comfort level in anything you do.

Striking can help with that, too.

It could be something to try, but you've got to be careful, because it could draw challenges that might not be wanted. It would depend on the area. The Chinese do Tai Chi in parks all the time, but its a culturally accepted thing there. In Brazil, it might not be odd to walk up on a Capoeira roda. But in the states, it is more likely to draw the attention of thugs that might want to try you.

10-7-09 Tonight, I spent a lot of time again on basics. Things are starting to move a bit smoother now, too. Also got started on new one-steps, since some of the students tested recently.

Sounds like everything went well. I did find that when I started teaching kids, my patience got better.

10-6-09 Lightweight shoulder workout Lateral raise: 10 Lateral raise thumb up: 10 Lateral raise thumb up/down: 10 Front raise: 10 Cross-over jacks: 10 Military press: 10 3 sets, nonstop, 5, 3, 0 lbs. Assisted pull-ups: 15 max set Crunches: 50 Assisted pull-ups: 13 Dumbell curls, 15, 10,5 reps: 12, 15, 25 lbs. Reverse crunches: 50 Assisted pull-ups: 11 Dumbell curls, 15, 10, 5: 15, 20, 25 lbs. Reg/rev. crunches: 25/25 Stretch upper body 5 minutes. Combat Hapkido: 12:00 - 12:40. Warm-up with trapping techniques up and down floor, using cross-side/outside trap and then finish. Did some block/pass/pin, and then moved to block and strike bicep and break balance. Finished with some of the red belt material. TKD class: 6:00 - 7:30. We had 10 white belts in class tonight, most of them from the orientation of the college class, so we spent a lot of time on basics, then I stretched out. Instead of one-steps, I got to help another 3rd dan that is a bit rusty on reviewing the black belt forms. My legs were very sore from the day before working out, so class was a blast!

Basically, instead of being beholden to some philosophical ideals as to what the belt might mean or represent, I just try to think of it as another one of my possessions, and try to treat it as such. I don't try to ruin many of my own things on purpose, but I don't revere a lot of my possessions, either. The belt is the same to me.

I think a forceful, silent exhalation can be equal to a kiai. I don't think it always has to be audible, but that's just me.