bushido_man96

Dobbersky: I think that ShoriKid does bring up a good point. I was in the same boat with my current TKD organization. My instructor had asked the GM to allow me to "test ahead" at the black belt level, because my technique was where it needed to be. At that point, it was pretty much a matter of being able to perform the requirments, and have them memorized. But, the GM declined, citing that I would be a better instructor with the extra time in. Whether or not that is the case, eh, whatever. But, I just took it and went on doing what I was doing. At the same time, the concerns you mention bring us all back to the "rank doesn't matter" arguement that becomes so prevalent at times. Rank never matters, until it does matter (if that makes sense). So, I would say, if you enjoy the training, and it is good training, then don't let the lack of recognition by rank worry you. Your skill and ability will be recognized, regardless of the color around your waist. As sensei8 would say, "the proof is on the floor!"

I think the grappling aspect is going to vary from instructor to instructor based on the experience that they have. I don't know that a lot of grappling was done in the early days of JKD, although Bruce did train with Gene LeBelle a little bit. He was aware of it, but I'm not sure if the exposure was there to address it as much as it is today.

I think it could. I don't know why it wouldn't, really. I think if you have the president, then you have what you need, with the board and vice to help out.

Yeah, these kids are great, but I think we are looking at the extremes on both ends here. I'd say these kids are close to being MA prodigies; not many kids are going to be able to attain that level. Hell, there are probably some adults that are going to be able to achieve that level of physical ability and skill (comparatively speaking). We look at these kids and think "wow, they are phenomenal!" Then, think about what they will be like as adults; "wow, more phenomenal!" They can only get better with age, right? So, is that standard for a black belt? Only the phenomenal ones? I would be willing to guess that the most of us that post here wouldn't consider many of our abilities to be "phenomenal." I know I am not. Does that mean that we cannot be black belts, either? I don't think so. Lots of kids (in America, anyways) will grow up playing (American) football. They can start when they are around 8, I think. And some will play into middle school, and into high school, and some will get into colleges and play. Put only a small percentage will be "phenomenal," and make it into the professional level, and make the big money for their skills. Everyone else will be relegated to playing on a recreational level. Is this how we are to view the Martial Arts, and attaining the rank of black belt, as well? Someone is out there doing it. I agree that not everyone is, but to say that no one is, is a bit extreme.

Yeah, these kids are great, but I think we are looking at the extremes on both ends here. I'd say these kids are close to being MA prodigies; not many kids are going to be able to attain that level. Hell, there are probably some adults that are going to be able to achieve that level of physical ability and skill (comparatively speaking). We look at these kids and think "wow, they are phenomenal!" Then, think about what they will be like as adults; "wow, more phenomenal!" They can only get better with age, right? So, is that standard for a black belt? Only the phenomenal ones? I would be willing to guess that the most of us that post here wouldn't consider many of our abilities to be "phenomenal." I know I am not. Does that mean that we cannot be black belts, either? I don't think so. Lots of kids (in America, anyways) will grow up playing (American) football. They can start when they are around 8, I think. And some will play into middle school, and into high school, and some will get into colleges and play. Put only a small percentage will be "phenomenal," and make it into the professional level, and make the big money for their skills. Everyone else will be relegated to playing on a recreational level. Is this how we are to view the Martial Arts, and attaining the rank of black belt, as well? Someone is out there doing it. I agree that not everyone is, but to say that no one is, is a bit extreme.

I think leading the opponent a bit, and then using the angles is a big key. The Aikido sensei talked a bit about this in our seminar this weekend. Basically, if someone wants to go some way, then help them go that way, by moving, or pulling them along as you circle about, or whatever. That way, they over-extend, and then you can work from there.

I agree with Bob; the advise so far is all good. Doing simple things like standing on one leg for timed segments can help improve your balance. As that gets easier, start kicking without putting the foot down. I am also a big advocate of pivoting the base foot before the chamber or kick, like Joe talked about in his post. An instructor of mine called it the "pre-pivot," and I think it is a good way to save the knees in the long run.

The first night of volleyball has come and gone, and the B team that my daughter is on went 2-1 on the night. I thought they played well, but there are still areas of improvement to be made, which is ok. She isn't too concerned about becoming an all-star volleyball player, because she enjoys track, and is looking forward to trying out basketball. But at the same time, she works hard in practice, and she'll continue to improve. The coach did tell her that she wants her to serve underhand instead of overhand, which I don't understand. I would rather see her continue to develop that skill, as she would likely use it if she plays in high school. I have told her to continue to practice it, so that she can use it eventually.

The Chiefs cut Zack Thomas and Amani Toomer. Toomer never did make an appearance in a preseason game, though, and although I would have liked to see Thomas play, I think with Vrabel on board, we have what we need out of the linebackers. I can't wait for this Sunday! How about that season opener, with the Steelers beating the Titans? Two great defenses, and won on a field goal in overtime to boot (sorry about the pun there...).

I wouldn't have expected Titanic, or Saturday Night Fever, to make the list. Kind of cool to see his preferences.

Crazy guy. Very gutsy.

That, and I would agree that wearing shoes does take away some of that sensitivity, too.

It may not be more difficult, just different. I, too, attend a "traditional" school that advocates training barefoot, and I don't usually mind it. But, training with shoes on does change things a bit, and is something that should be experienced once in a while to be accounted for.

Our Fort Hays State University is having its Aikido seminar again this year, and it goes from the 11-13. I'm looking forward to it, because after last semester ended, I haven't had much opportunity to get Aikido work in. Should be fun! I'll post updates when I can.

Ah, I see where you are going now. Very nice, and very good advise. It is all too easy for a self-defense situation to turn into an assault/battery, and I have seen it several times myself at work.

9-9-09 This was the first class for 2 white belts, so I spent significant time drilling basics, and most everything was done at my count. The slow down was good for the higher ranks, too, and I also noticed considerable improvement on the green belt's side kicks after the class I had the week before; I also took the time to let them know that I was seeing improvement...praise is a great motivator. It also feels good as an instructor to see that someone is listening. I also gave some pointers pivoting the foot for kicking, and making sure that they pivot for the kick, and don't let their base foot twist and follow the kick. That's a good way to tear up the knees.

That just sounds nasty, and hygene problems to boot.I would always tell the students to cold wash, or on warm/cold, if it isn't a cottong gi, and then either tumble dry on a low setting, or let it hang dry. My Aikido gi is cotton, so I hang dry it.

9-10-09 Leg press: 320x15x3 Crunches: 50x3 Dead lift: 315x3 then 275x2, 275x5, 225x5 Reverse crunches: 50x3 Power cleans: 155x5x3 Double crunches: 50x3 These were done in the order that they are listed, and then I went back through the list again, repeating it 3 times. I listed it this way to save space. So, it was done more like a circuit. Dumbell workout Reverse flies: 20x15x2, 15x15 Upright rows: 25x15x3 Shrugs: 40x15x3 Hammer curls: 30x15, 25x15x2 Lateral raises: 20x15x3 9-11-09 Regular grip pull-ups: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 Reverse grip pull-ups: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 ....all of these were assisted pull-ups. Upperbody cycle: 2 minutes to complete the cycle, then rest with the time thats left. Then, do it again. Push-ups: 10 Crunches: 10 Wide-grip push-ups: 10 Reverse crunches: 10 Triceps push-ups: 10 Left/right crunches: 10/10 I only got through 2 cycles of this, and boy was it tough. The workout actually called for 10 cycles....so, I have a long ways to go. Cardio: bike for 20 minutes @ 90+rpms.

I think Bruce Lee really liked the lead leg side kick, as it was the longest tool of the body, and it could strike the closest target, the opponent's knee, before the opponent could really get into range with his/her hands. I like the pendulm idea, but I think that it can be a telegraph at times, too.

Ah, the trials of learning....

its a HUGE offense to wear shoes on the mat or inside a dojo! It's a sign of disrespect as you bring evil spirits into the room. This has more to do with a cultural belief than anything else. Training in shoes has its merits.

That sounds like what might be called a power slap. I really like using the palm as a tool; its quite fun to do to BOB, too. On another note, it is fun to do a session when you don't have to worry about a technical standard, but instead, just worry more about effectiveness.

I disagree that Martial Arts are only for the strong. They are for anyone who is willing to try. I do think that standards need to be considered when awarding rank, but I think it is also important to consider that not everyone has the same capabilities. Each student needs to be evaluated and ranked on their individual abilities. Now, that is not a cop-out to allow for poor performances and bad technical skill. But, not everyone is going to be able to give you 300 push-ups, or 50 pull-ups, or run a mile in 6 minutes, and stuff like that. I don't think you can cookie-cutter all black belts. Each deserves individual evaluation and attention, so that the attributes and abilites that they have can become focus points for their training, and they can also evaluate and improve on their weaknesses, too.

Well then, that's one step down, right?

9-9-09 TKD class: 6:00 - 7:00. Taught tonight. It was the first class for 2 new students, so I spent a bit more time on basics. Bike: Total of 11 minutes.