bushido_man96

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.

Is it the muscles that are getting tired? It could be that the extra reps are just pushing you past your limit, which is good, because it will make you stronger in the long run. That would be my guess. I would say to just try to push through it, if it is just muscle pain, but try not to sacrifice your technique for an extra rep. If the pain is other than muscle, then you might want to get it checked out.

I can see some things that I would work with them on, or rather, that should have been worked on more before they arrived at that rank.

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

If the foot is broken, doesn't that hurt a chance at escape, as well?

I'm surprised that our classes don't have some more variety. I'm surprised that we don't do that much self-defense applications.

I've been thinking of the differences between a throw, a sweep, and a takedown, and a comparative study would be a great idea, I think.

I'm not sure the the foot is more resilient than the shin. I think that the shin is a firmer structure, and a better natural weapon than the foot, but that's just me. Welcome to the Forums, Dark Planet.

I like to think of it as an investment.

Very nice. Very talented youngsters there.

9-5-09 Warm-up: 5 min. on elliptical Bench press: 165x10, 175x8, 185x6, 195x4, 215x2 Squats: 5 sets, 1 minute each set. These were done between the bench sets. Assisted pull-ups: 10 max Bike: 3 minutes Dumbell military press: 12.5 lbs for 1 minute Lunges: 30 seconds each leg Straight bar curls: 80x10 Triceps push-down: 120x10 Heel raises: 1 minute Dead lift: 315x5...this was the most I had ever done...and it was tough. Power clean: 135x5 The sad thing about this was that I was supposed to repeat everything above one more time... 9-6-09 Jog 3/4 mile, 15 minutes leg stretch. Then rode bike for 20 minutes.

Well, the rosters should all be cut to 53 by now. Any moves your team made that you don't like?