bushido_man96

I weigh about the same, but unfortunately I am about 10 inches shorter than you! I usually don't have a problem kicking the taller guys in the head, if I get the opportunity, though.

My Self-Defense partner and I worked on choke escapes a bit once, and he really locked on a choke, so I could see what it is like to fight it off. You don't have a lot of time, if it is locked on tight. You go out quick, so you have to react fast, and make sure it works.

That does clarify things a bit, thanks. You and I share some of the same sentiments. One thing that does concern me in your post about Kihon Gumite, being the bedrock of Wado, and the spot at which you really learn to fight, and the fact that it takes 3 years to get to that point. Pehaps I misunderstand, but I think that the Martial Artist should be able to defend himself before this amount of time is up. If I am misunderstanding, then please let me know.

To seriously compete, first, you need to get a manager.

Very cool! All the better. It proves that the Martial Arts can be a life-long experience.

Let us know what turns up.

I think that Judo and BJJ can compliment each other well. Judo will give you a great standing takedown arsenal, and BJJ will give you the base you need to be effective on the ground.

Look into what schools you have available to you, and what gyms, if any, are nearby. Then we could give you a better idea of how to get started. Welcome to the Forums!

TKD and TSD both have their roots in Karate. Most of the other "history" that is put forth about the origins of TKD and TSD are mainly propogations made by the Koreans in charge to disengage them from being associated with the Japanese, whom they don't like.

The physical requirements must just be part of your school. I have not received anything from ATA HQ mandating specific fitness requirements for black belts or colored belt students. ATA HQ has been distributing "Training Tips" with suggested work-outs. But again, at this point they are only "suggested." Matt White Thanks for the clarification, Matt. I was kind of curious.Did you guys see that Chief Master Clark made the cover of TKDTimes Magazine this month?

I have heard of it before as well. I think it is good for the student to be aware of where the attacks can come from, and fighting multiples when you don't have far to go is good for training, too. Like others have mentioned, better for higher ranks.

That’s pretty much my take on it as well, and I am not sure whether the majority of people that practice Traditional Karate actually want it to become an Olympic sport anyway. There is a feeling that it is not exactly representative of what Karate has to offer. How do TKD practitioners feel about the whole Olympic thing? No big deal to me. I could watch it, or not. Right now, I don't care for the clinches in the style, and I don't like how hand technqiues do not score. However, those guys are great atheletes, and they train a lot. It is tough to get into.

I imagine visualization would help the fact. However, in the heat of the moment, I think it would be tougher to accomplish.

I agree, it is fun to read and learn new things like that. I tend to go in stints myself.

I suppose the complete offer, where the principles could be applied to any number of pottentail scenarios. IE its not so much the techniques you use its the way you employ them. Also a complete system should have more to offer than just "Fighting". Through the study of it, there should be a natural by product of self improvement. I see the point you are making here, but this is along the lines of what I like to refer to as the Eastern Bias. This is soley an implementation concentrated on in most of the Asian and other Far Eastern Martial Arts. Western styles never really concerned themselves with it to the extent that the Oriental styles did/do. Sure, there were some that claimed that the fighters should be gentlemen and such, but the "way of life" aspect of it wasn't a focal point like it is to Eastern styles. Therefore, I don't look at it as a major prerequisite for a system.

I don't usually listen to much music. If its playing, cool. If not, I don't go looking for some.

In my case, if I could get you to abandon the choke and go to the armbar, then I see that as a small victory, because at least I won't be going to sleep, and then not know what the heck happens to me.

I agree here. There is such a rift between these two, and it is mostly politcally driven. I was going to mention this today, but you beat me to it!

I have never witnessed anything like this first-hand, but have read plenty of stories about it. I think it is a great thing. Congrats to him!

Thanks, Zanshin. I guess I need to look to see what the point scoring system is, then. Are they just trying to include sparring in the Olympics, or are they looking to do a forms competition as well?

What are the requirements for creating a comprehensive system? What would "comprehensive" entail, exactly? I agree with you here. But what would you say are the wrong reasons to cross-train?

I have been wanting to get a life-sized tatoo of myself, but taller...

On what day of the week do your testings usually fall on? At my first TKD school, we had our testings on Saturday mornings usually. At my current school, they are usually on a Thursday evening. How about y'all? When are yours? When do you think is better? I kind of like the weekend idea, as it allows for more time, gets you started earlier, and done sooner. I also think it is easier for the spectators to get to on a Saturday.

Very nice, NightOwl. Now, how about the other 3??

Time to become a monk!!!