bushido_man96

This has been addressed and changed. They won't allow a point if you cannot maintain your balance during the technique. I think it was Herb Perez who used to do a spin hook kick, and would go down to the ground afterwards to avoid the counter. They changed the rules because of that. As far as taking the kicks goes; most of the time, they are allowing the kick to come in so that they can spin and counter, striking the opponent while they are in mid-kick. Think of it as kind of like Boxing; you can't block every punch, and hope to punch back. Olympic TKD is the same way. I do agree that they should keep their hands up more, and block more, but they don't choose to. I don't think they are taught not to block; they just learn that using the hands to generate momentum and balance for kicking helps their purpose more. What about Judo? It is an Olympic sport as well. So is Boxing. There is also a Karate governing body. Do you think that they have the same goals?

What you are talking about are the very basics. Yes, everyone will know what the Japanese for round kick is, but beyond that, any technical information will be out of touch. In order to make it flow smoothly, the Japanese does help, I agree. As far as I'm concerned, I could care less about knowing the Korean terminology of my techniques. During my time in the ATA, I didn't learn the Korean name for any of the techniques. Now, I know the Korean terminology for the techniques that I do, but the terminology that I know doesn't match up with those that I have seen in other books. Go figure.

Shotokan, if you get into the JKA, is a pretty vast organization. If you like the support that comes with an organization, then I think you will like it. As a style, I don't know a lot about it, other than what I have read. There are lots of similarities with TKD and Shotokan, so I imagine I could adapt well to it. I have been reading books on the Shotokan style and forms, and I know that some schools have applications for the movements of the forms, which would be good as well.

And have you tried using bicycle inner-tubes or surgical tubing? I agree that jumping is one of the best things you can do to help your drive when stepping. But maybe too much jumping can make you JUMP when you should STEP... That's why I really recommend trying a type of resistance training that you can do while using good form, such as inner tubes. I don't think that this kind of plyometric jump training will lead to jumping when doing technique. We are talking about a very powerful, bursting movement, jumping as high as you can. I have done plyometrics in the past, and it has never caused me to jump durning any of my movements. However, the tube training is a good idea as well.

I think that XMA forms should be in a seperate division than traditional forms, but that is just my opinion. If you find out in the future that this is not the case, then I would opt not to compete.

"Who gets it first" is based more off of a time in rank thing; like someone who has been a blue belt for 2 more months than the most recent student promoted to blue belt.

Well, hopefully they will. I would speak with the panel before he is allowed to test, though. I know that I would not want to be put through a testing process only to find out that someone on the panel was trying to keep me from being promoted. Just food for thought.

I am not sure why they always put on weight in the manner that they do. I think it is to use the most leverage that they can. However, these guys are very strong, and very flexible. Don't mistake that, for sure.

What is a "multiple fighter?"

that is true , but what if the situation does not require kicking , then what?? this is were information from every source comes in handy Honestly, there aren't many situations that "require" kicking, in my opinion. When your arms get tied up, then you may have to kick, but other than that, I wouldn't say that kicking becomes "required." It is good to know how to fight in all ranges: kicking, punching, clinching, and grappling.

I see, NEKyosa. Perhaps you should express your feelings with the testing panel, if you have not done so already. However, the testers may have their own reasons in mind as well. It is hard to tell sometimes. In the end, just make sure to focus on your own well being, and don't let the actions or progressions of those around you worry you too much. It isn't worth getting high blood pressure over.

that's very interesting but, is the person who is given their belt first given it for a reason(like the instructor intentionally chooses so) or is it just randomly given, whoevers first is higher? In this situation, I would not use that as a chance to pull rank. If you two people receive the same rank on the same day, at the same promotion ceremony, then they are the same rank. If you need something to distinguish between the two, then you go by age. If it is that big of a deal, then those two really need to get a life.

Welcome to the Forums!

WOW! Not cool at all!!!

Yeah!!! With a marinade of Italian dressing...and Montreal steak seasoning...good stuff...

Way to go!

Nice explanation, NightOwl.

I don't really agree. The Olympics are the upper echelon of competition for TKD. Yes, there are those who like the sport side more than the other side. However, you can find many who enjoy the forms and more "artistic" side as well...they just don't end up competing internationally. There are still those who teach the self-defense applications of the style, and it does exist. It is just a matter of finding the instructor that does it. I think that being an Olympic sport is a good thing for TKD, because it keeps it in the limelight, and people recognize it. Sure, there are things that don't translate to self-defense, but it is the role of the instructor to make sure the student understands these things.

Sounds interesting. Where can it be seen?

Well, just keep up the training, cross.

It doesn't take anything away from your rank. In the end, it doesn't matter if it is called a dollyo chagi, or a round kick; as long as you make it work, that is what matters.

Consider that if every english speaking instructor used only english then you wouldnt have a problem at all. Also keep in mind that in most schools that use terminology from the native language of the system, they often have 2 names for the same thing, i.e. the name of the technique in the systems native language, and then the name of the technique in the instructors/students native language. So in my opinion, cut out the language that you dont normally speak and streamline the system to avoid confusion. But you still need an International standard language so that instructors from outside your native tongue can teach you. If you are in say a Japanese system then there are plenty of Japanese masters/teachers who would be definiately worth having a lesson off, you can't expect them to teach you in English if they aren't fluent. If you go to Europe or Aisa or wherever to train then if everyone knows a standard name for each technique life is going to be so much easier. You won't have to spend time messing around with translating the words "front punch" and can just get on with it. It makes sense (IMO anyway) for everyone, whatever country your from and whatever language you speak, to know one name per technique so that you can communicate. And if you have to pick that one language to communicate in then why not pick the language it where it comes from because chances are there are going to be more practitioners/teachers/masters speaking it natively. Only if you feel the need to take classes with those from other countries. I don't really feel the need to do so. I agree. There is going to come a point when the limited knowledge of the language through technique terminology is not going to do you any more good. Therefore, it is back to square one, and you will need more of a translation.

My point as well.

Cross makes some very good points. Regardless of the style you study, being faced by multiple attackers puts you at a disadvantage, regardless. You may be a great striker, but if someone wraps you up from behind, or bars one of your arms, then you are now only half the striker you were. I think that the video summed up well when dealing with multiple attackers: you figure out how to manage them.

Kicking does take a longer amount of time to develop proficiency in. I'll bet that there are quite a few South Korean practitioners that are skilled enough, and quick enough, to kick to the head on a regular basis. However, some of them have been spending most of their lives kicking.